# BMC seeks IIT-Roorkee review for Malabar Hill reservoir plan 2026-09-19T02:52:11+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Two years after IIT-Roorkee said Mumbai's Malabar Hill reservoir could be repaired rather than rebuilt, the BMC now wants the institute to review designs for a new alternative tank at the adjoining site. The proposal goes before the civic Standing Committee on September 23, seeking Rs 22 lakh (plus GST) for IIT-Roorkee to independently assess structural plans prepared by consultant Pednekar Associates. The earlier BMC plan to demolish and reconstruct the 1887 reservoir faced opposition from residents and environmentalists over tree loss. The civic body then worked with IIT-Roorkee on an alternative three-tier reservoir of 52 million litres capacity on the western side, where staff quarters and a pumping station now stand. The civic administration seeks to waive tenders under the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act, citing IIT-Roorkee's technical competence. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The Malabar Hill reservoir is Mumbai's oldest, built in 1887 and expanded in 1907 and 1916. The BMC's shift from demolition to a twin-tank strategy reflects the difficulty of replacing century-old infrastructure without disrupting water supply to 19 distribution systems serving south Mumbai. The standing committee vote on September 23 will decide whether the review proceeds, if approved, IIT-Roorkee's structural assessment will determine whether the new tank can be built without major tree felling, the original flashpoint of opposition. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: BMC, IIT Roorkee, Malabar Hill, Mumbai Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bmc-seeks-iit-roorkee-review-for-malabar-hill-reservoir-plan/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bmc-seeks-iit-roorkee-review-for-malabar-hill-reservoir-plan/#story-in-brief