MUMBAI: The BMC had initially considered a phased approach for reconstruction of the 147 ML Malabar Hill reservoir, a century-old structure, and a tender was floated accordingly. However, earlier this year, the contractor Skywalk Infrastructure appointed for the reconstruction project sought the opinion of structural consultant Dr Shashank Mehandale and associates, who recommended a complete reconstruction instead.
Their report highlighted concerns about potential damage to the reservoir’s waterproofing during the phased programme, emphasizing the risk of water loss and rendering portions or the entire reservoir unusable. Consequently, it has been suggested that the entire reservoir should be reconstructed in a single comprehensive effort. This critical recommendation comes as the BMC faces the challenge of addressing the contentious issues surrounding the Malabar Hill reservoir reconstruction. The report’s details have been accessed by TOI.
The report also points to the fact that the study of the history of the reservoir indicates that after its construction (in 1887), it had severe leakage issues and the amount spent on waterproofing was significant. Initially, asphalt lining was done. Even that resulted in losses of 2 MLD, thus major work of guniting/shotcreting was taken up in 1937.
“This indicates the nature of the reservoir where masonry walls are mainly the retention walls and need an explicit waterproofing layer to hold/retain water. This waterproofing membrane, be it asphalt or gunite, is relatively very thin and susceptible to cracks and can fail even with the slightest of movement or vibrations imparted to it. Thus carrying out major disconnection and demolition of contiguous masonry structure, excavation by breaking/cutting rock in close proximity of reservoir foundation envisaged in proposed phase programme can damage the waterproofing of the reservoir, and may in turn cause leakages,” states the report, adding that it may be prudent to take up the entire reservoir in one go and that accidental profuse leakages may also trigger landslides and/or flash flooding in low-lying areas.
While the report does not mention that the reservoir is structurally unstable and cannot be repaired, it points towards creation of a new required minimum capacity permanent reservoir at a suitable alternate location.
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