Mumbai News: Malabar Hill Residents Demand Geological Survey After Compound Wall Collapse On Walkeshwar Road

Mumbai: The residents of upscale Malabar Hill area demand to have a geological survey of the area to ensure safety of all building after a compound wall and part of the hill collapsed on Walkeshwar Road on Monday. The landslide happened after the city witnessed heavy downpour.

"There are been several new constructions in last few years. We have to ensure if the hill is able to take load of new buildings and redevelopments," said Tushar Prabhoo, a resident.

On Monday, the compound wall of Ruby Hill building, located near Teen Batti junction came down. As the residents were evaluated on time, no injuries were reported. However, the video of the landslide went viral on social media, creating panic among residents and concerns about safety of other buildings on the hill.

Another Sharad Bhagat (89), who is staying at Walkeshwar Road since birth said, "The old building here, starting from the British era are built on the rocks. Several of them were later redevelopment, floors increased, with drilling on the rocks for the stronger structure. However, this development over the years put nearby buildings at risk."

Bhagat added that there was soil testing done for constructing underground parkings for the new buildings on the road and meetings were also held with residents. Although the underground parking never came up, but such projects are hazardous for the hill.

Bhagat also highlighted that the Ruby Hill building was under restoration and the authorities had not installed iron rods, barracading etc as precautionary measure.

Prabha added, "This is not the first landslide incident. During Covid period, a huge landslide took at Kemps corner, taking the road with it. These are signs, we need geological survey of the area."

Assistant municipal commissioner of D ward, Manish Valanju was not available for a comment.

"Malabar Hill - Walkeshwar Road is a VIP area, with locality housing the governors bunglow to the chief minister's official residence. If the government decides, the survey can be conducted immediately. It is for everyone's safety," the residents added.

This is not the first time the residents are complaining about over construction activities in the area. The Malabar Hill residents who are protesting against the shrinking Walkeshwar Road, and had objected construction of a 14-storeyed building with three basement floors. The project at the Teen Batti junction near the Raj Bhavan has been halted, after the BMC issued a Stop-Work notice last month.