The pics below are doing the rounds via email lately and I received it through one of those forwards. And while these images are virtual right now (including the taxi shown in the pic!), this is supposedly under construction to be the so-called INDIA TOWER, located around the Princess Necklace in South Mumbai. Apparently, the TOWER - 301 meter tall/60 storey - is expected to be the 'greenest skyscraper' of the country, with plans of rainwater harvesting and the works. The box-design of this Tower reflects a changing pattern, in that, one for a hotel (Park Hyatt), residential unit, retail and so on.
While I am totally for 'eco-friendly', I wonder to what extent would this reach its purpose of 'going green'. The first impression of it is that of a good feat of architecture but on second thoughts, it hardly looks like a good one. Located in South Mumbai that is already a concrete Forest fighting for the basic amenities, how on earth would they manage to provide that - water, sanitation, sewage, electricity? Then again, considering it would cater to a certain class of people, they would not have a problem with that! Further, it would come up near the Princess Necklace, the heritage of our city. Would this not totally destroy the pride of our city? Even if such a height is approved, if it fits within the damage control of flora and fauna surrounding it and has all precautionary measures against any minor-to-major calamity, it does not justify the kind of resources that would be required to not only construct it but also maintain it!! God, save our city of dreams. 