Mumbai’s civic administration is weighing the construction of two alternative water tanks at Malabar Hill before commencing long-pending repairs of the century-old reservoir beneath the Hanging Gardens. Officials confirmed that the move is aimed at securing uninterrupted water supply to South Mumbai while minimising ecological impact, particularly the felling of trees.
The reservoir, which supplies around 147 million litres daily, has long been identified for urgent strengthening. The original proposal, costing nearly ₹1,000 crore, had suggested demolishing and reconstructing the structure. That plan, however, faced widespread public resistance because it would have required the removal of nearly 389 trees, including 200 slated for transplantation. Technical studies later suggested that repairs rather than complete rebuilding could adequately stabilise the structure. Civic engineers have now identified two possible sites for temporary storage tanks to support water supply during the repair phase. One site lies adjacent to the existing reservoir, while the other is located behind the Hanging Gardens. Officials noted that the limited capacity of the reservoir-side site would necessitate an additional 35 million-litre tank, raising questions over the operational efficiency of managing two separate facilities.
The current discussions follow earlier recommendations from an expert panel at a leading technical institute, which had proposed a 52 MLD replacement tank. Subsequent reviews, however, highlighted the risks of tree loss and land use, pushing the administration to consider more compact, vertically designed storage solutions of 35–44 MLD. This shift in approach underscores the administration’s attempt to balance infrastructure reliability with ecological sensitivity. The debate around the project has been intensified by environmental concerns. Residents of Malabar Hill, who had voiced strong opposition to the original reconstruction, urged authorities to relocate the tank to areas where fewer trees would be disturbed. Civic officials have indicated that the number of trees impacted under the revised plan will indeed be significantly lower than previously estimated.
Experts suggest that the administration’s latest strategy reflects a broader shift in Mumbai’s infrastructure planning, where ecological factors are gaining greater weight alongside engineering imperatives. Urban water supply remains a critical issue, and ensuring resilience against climate risks and population growth adds another layer of urgency. While final feasibility studies are still underway, officials stressed that no work will proceed until a sustainable solution is confirmed. For the city’s residents, the assurance of uninterrupted water supply remains as vital as the preservation of green spaces. The outcome of this balancing act will likely serve as a litmus test for how Mumbai addresses its infrastructure modernisation without compromising environmental integrity.
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