Mumbai: Days after TOI reported about how the BMC has zeroed in on a 52 MLD alternate tank as part of its Malabar Hill reservoir reconstruction plan, residents have raised fresh red flags over its potential environmental cost. At a meeting held on Sunday evening, locals voiced concerns that the proposed alternate tank could once again come at the expense of the area’s green cover. The project is likely to involve the cutting and transplantation of several trees — an assurance that residents say does little to allay fears about long-term ecological damage.The residents have now decided to formally write to the civic body, objecting to the proposal and questioning the need and rationale behind the plan.The concerns echo an earlier flashpoint. In Sept 2023, the BMC was forced to shelve its plan to completely demolish and rebuild the reservoir after widespread public opposition, as the move threatened the iconic Hanging Gardens located above it. Authorities subsequently pivoted to a phased repair strategy, which hinges on the alternate reservoir being made operational first.“There is no need for an alternate tank. The reservoir can be repaired in phases by isolating sections, with the remaining capacity proving sufficient. We will write to the BMC and seek a meeting on the issue. This is a large project that will impact the entire locality. No expert has stated that an alternate tank must be built at the same site,” said a resident present at the meeting.Last week, the civic water supply projects department presented multiple options for AJ alternate water tank, of which a three-level structure—comprising an underground tank, a ground-level tank, and an upper-level tank—was selected. Under the plan, water will be routed through the ground-level tank and pumped upward to ensure uninterrupted supply when sections of the existing reservoir are shut for repairs.
