MUMBAI: Among the first civic projects reviewed by municipal commissioner Ashwini Bhide is the long-pending alternative reservoir at Malabar Hill, with officials zeroing in on a three-tier design of 52 MLD capacity.The water supply projects (WSP) department presented multiple options. The selected plan will comprise an underground tank, a ground-level tank and an upper-level tank. Water will be routed through the ground-level tank and pumped upwards to ensure uninterrupted supply when sections of the existing reservoir are shut for repairs. The push for an alternative facility stems from the need to repair the ageing Malabar Hill reservoir.
Earlier plans to demolish and rebuild the reservoir were shelved following strong public opposition in Sept 2023, as the move would have impacted the Hanging Gardens situated above it. Authorities have since opted for phased repairs, contingent on the alternative reservoir becoming operational. Bhide has directed officials to examine whether the proposed three-tier structure could affect the protected “funnel of vision” — a designated view corridor preserving uninterrupted vistas of Marine Drive and Backbay. Civic officials said that identified view-sensitive stretches include the eastern flank from Priyadarshini Park to Nepeansea Road (Sector 49), and the southern edge from the wooded limits of Raj Bhavan along Walkeshwar Road to Walkeshwar Circle. While preliminary assessments suggest the new structure is unlikely to obstruct these sightlines, officials said a detailed review is underway as part of due diligence.A civic official said, “Before deciding on the current site, two other sites — one near a post office and another on Ridge road — were studied. The plot near the staff quarters is being finalised for the project.”Once checks are completed to determine whether it could affect the protected “funnel of vision”, work on floating a tender for its construction will begin, officials said. “The administration is positive about getting started with this work, as the existing reservoir has already outlived its lifespan and there is a need for an alternate tank to be made ready,” an official said.
