80-feet-high dilapidated tank gives locals sleepless nights

THANE: Residents of plush complexes in and around Gladys Alwares and Pokhran roads are worried about a dilapidated 80-feet-high water reservoir in their area, which they fear can come crashing down anytime soon.
The tank with a capacity of over 27 million litres has been declared dangerous by the administration as the structure has developed cracks at several places.
The administration has claimed that the over 35-year-old structure has not been in use for the last three months.
The administration has put up warning boards along the two roads warning residents of a possible collapse of the structure.
The junction is a vital one that witnesses heavy traffic for major part of the day as it leads up to Upwan and plush localities of Vasant Vihar, Pawar Nagar and Hiranandani Meadows.
Residents said they were worried it could collapse anytime causing immense damage to nearby structures and may lead to loss of lives also.
“The overhead water reservoir at the junction has been declared dangerous by the TMC. A notice to that effect has also been pasted on the gate. However, the authorities seem to be doing nothing about it. Are they waiting for the reservoir to come crashing down and cause immense damage to life and property,” asked Sanjeev Ghanekar, a local.
“The TMC must immediately act before it is too late and demolish the structure in time so that it doesn’t collapse on neighbouring structures. There is a lot of traffic in the area and few residential societies in close proximity. A sudden collapse could lead to loss of life also,” said Ritesh Thakkar, another resident.
TOI visited the spot only to be told by the civic staff present there that the structure wasn’t as feeble as citizens feared and they have abandoned its use. Despite repeated attempts, Ashok Burpulle, in-charge of the anti-encroachment cell remained unavailable for comment.