Metro work will not adversely affect two fire temples: report

While the lawyers for the petitioners objected to the VJTI report on Monday, the court asked the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) to file an affidavit stating how the recommendations of the institute would be implemented. The court will hear the matter again on August 20.

Last month, a Division Bench of Justice A S Oka and R I Chagla had appointed VJTI as an expert agency to examine the impact of construction work on the Atash Behrams.

The report stated: “The proposed tunnel work for Metro line 3, passing under Wadiaji and Anjuman Atash Behrams buildings, shall not have adverse effect on the structures.” It added that the work shall not have an adverse effect on the level and quality of water in the wells within the premises of Wadiaji Atash Behram. It also stated that the proposed Kalbadevi Metro station, adjacent to Wadiaji Atash Behram building, shall not be adversely effected.

Among others, the VJTI has recommended excavation to be done by the cut and cover method at Kalbadevi station near the corner of Wadiaji Atash Behram. Further excavation in the remaining area shall be carried out by mechanical means or controlling blasting. The perforation (drilling holes) by line drilling will further reduce the vibration on Atash Behrams.

It has also been recommended that vibration monitoring shall be held throughout the day while construction work is on. Wells in the premises of both Atash Behrams should be closely monitored for water level and water quality, the report stated.