Readers' Forum
Protecting the Well
The trustees of the Bhikha Behram Well have come to know that Mumbai Metro Rail Line 3 is going to pass near the holy Well soon, which is a heritage structure more than 275 years old. Such a development is likely to affect the well water.
Due to the depth of the tunnel, the subsoil water (groundwater) in the Bhikha Behram Well may altogether drain out due to the depth of excavation of the tunnel down to a depth of at least 18 meters within the close vicinity. The depth of the well is around six to eight meters. Drastic depletion of the groundwater table will result in a severe reduction in the yields. There is also a likelihood that the Well will dry up. There may be a blockage of free-flow of water from either side of tunnel.
Hence the trustees consulted Dr P. S. Rama Krishna, a leading geologist and decided to obtain his investigation report. They thereafter filed objections with Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited and the commissioner, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority along with Rama Krishna’s investigation report.
In this report some suggestions were made so that the proposed Metro Rail Line would not adversely affect the Well — realigning the tunnel away from Veer Nariman Road towards Oval Maidan, which may prove beneficial to the Metro Rail; pressure-grouting with mechanical pumping is suggested for sealing of the crevices, cracks and fractures; Reinforced Cement Concrete retaining wall should be constructed to eliminate the seepage of water from the sub-soil; proper lining for water-proofing of tunnel to allow the unhindered movement of water on either side.
The trustees have also asked the authorities to give them a personal hearing to enable them to explain the facts of the case in detail. Community members will be informed from time to time of developments in the matter. Meanwhile, persons having any further suggestions in the matter may contact the undersigned by email or Homiar N. Vakil at hnvakil@mullas.net BURJOR H. ANTIA
bhantia@mullas.net
Due to the depth of the tunnel, the subsoil water (groundwater) in the Bhikha Behram Well may altogether drain out due to the depth of excavation of the tunnel down to a depth of at least 18 meters within the close vicinity. The depth of the well is around six to eight meters. Drastic depletion of the groundwater table will result in a severe reduction in the yields. There is also a likelihood that the Well will dry up. There may be a blockage of free-flow of water from either side of tunnel.
Hence the trustees consulted Dr P. S. Rama Krishna, a leading geologist and decided to obtain his investigation report. They thereafter filed objections with Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited and the commissioner, Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority along with Rama Krishna’s investigation report.
In this report some suggestions were made so that the proposed Metro Rail Line would not adversely affect the Well — realigning the tunnel away from Veer Nariman Road towards Oval Maidan, which may prove beneficial to the Metro Rail; pressure-grouting with mechanical pumping is suggested for sealing of the crevices, cracks and fractures; Reinforced Cement Concrete retaining wall should be constructed to eliminate the seepage of water from the sub-soil; proper lining for water-proofing of tunnel to allow the unhindered movement of water on either side.
The trustees have also asked the authorities to give them a personal hearing to enable them to explain the facts of the case in detail. Community members will be informed from time to time of developments in the matter. Meanwhile, persons having any further suggestions in the matter may contact the undersigned by email or Homiar N. Vakil at hnvakil@mullas.net BURJOR H. ANTIA
bhantia@mullas.net
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