Known for its greenery, stunning sunset views overlooking the Arabian Sea, and constant flow of visitors, Mumbai's Hanging Gardens atop Malabar Hill, will undergo a significant reconstruction.

This 136-year-old landmark site will be shut in a phased manner, over a period of 7 years, for the demolition and reconstruction of its underground reservoir. During this time, the beloved garden will be off-limits to the public.

Hanging Gardens and its underground reservoir were built in 1881. The reservoir supplies water to much of South Bombay, using gravity.

The reason for reconstruction is an audit, which was done in 2017. It found that the reservoir's roof, which holds the garden and the columns supporting it, is weak. In the event of a collapse, it could disrupt the water supply to all of South Mumbai.

The BMC plans to rebuild the reservoir and increase its capacity to 191 million litres. Most of the trees here will also be replanted.