Malabar Hill Residents Turn Save Hanging Garden Protests Into Conservation Walks

The Save Hanging Garden campaign led by residents of Malabar Hill has transitioned from active protests against civic construction plans into a community-driven biodiversity conservation movement.

The initiative originally began in 2023 following a decision by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to axe 389 trees. The felling was proposed in order to demolish and reconstruct the ageing Malabar Hill reservoir, prompting strong opposition from local citizens.

Since the initial protests, the movement has expanded into regular community-led nature bonding activities. Residents have organised birding trips, tree appreciation sessions, and butterfly walks across the Hanging Garden grounds.

Organisers stated that the primary objective of these nature walks is to raise public awareness regarding the rich natural wealth and biodiversity hosted within the garden.

By engaging the broader community in guided exploration, the group aims to mobilise sustained public support to safeguard the area's existing flora and preserve the historic garden from future destruction.