Builders won't level pond in Khatau Mill compound

Developers are not known for sparing even a square foot of land, but a huge pond will be retained in a project being developed in Byculla. The project, named Monte South, is coming up at the place where once stood the famous Khatau Mills. The project is a joint venture between Adani Realty and Marathon Group.

Khatau Mill compound, which housed old mills and a natural a pond, was acquired before 2002. Considering the rarity of finding a water body in this side of south Mumbai, the developers decided to retain it.

Over the years, the pond has been maintained with barricades, and monitored for the biological oxygen demand. From time to time, it is aerated to introduce oxygen for the lifeforms including fish and algae in the pond.

Many varieties of birds are part of the pond's ecosystem. "At Monte South we had the luxury of working with an enormous land parcel. This gave us the opportunity to create serene spaces. Our podium is designed to be an oasis in the sky with a large pool flanked by a beach. In keeping with the theme of providing our residents a deeper connection to nature, we thought of retaining this pond, thereby retaining some of the old charm of the mill land," said Mayur Shah, Managing Director, Marathon Group.

"We are planning to build a Jain Derasar next to the pond. The serene location makes it an ideal spot for a place of worship,"' said Shah.

Datta Ishwalkar, a mill union leader, said, "If someone is preserving these, ponds, it's good." He added that the first pond was dug up in 1856, when the first mill started.

RETENTION

• A new project is coming up in Byculla at the site where Khatau Mills used to be.
   
• A pond in the mill compound will be retained as part of the new development.