Last month, the Green Garden group comprising regular joggers in the garden saw their efforts bear fruit as their pet project, a brand new clock tower erected in the Hanging Garden, was inaugurated. The 28-foot clock tower with a stainless steel top and a large clock-face replaced a derelict tower at the same spot.

“It is the tower of our friendship. We have commemorated it in the memory of one of our friends who passed away last year, Parimal Shah. People will remember this as a symbol of our friendship,” says Paresh Mehta, a senior member of the group. Mehta, the honorary consul of the Republic of Nicaragua, along with businessmen, traders and professionals from the area decided to make good use of the money they collected for the group activities. It has become the first clock tower to be erected in South Mumbai since the British era ended, during which such famous landmarks as the Rajabai Tower were erected.

Formed eight years ago, the Green Garden group was earlier involved in activities like organizing events during festivals, family outings and some charity work. Till four years ago, many didn’t even know one another. Today, the bond is strong enough that they address one another only by nicknames.

“We were like 30 friends who have become like brothers. We would like people to come here to see the clock tower and wish for towering health,” says Shah.

“After coming here, the shirt doesn’t have a collar. The ego of who is what isn’t there,” says Naresh Jain, a steel trader.

Though the idea of erecting clock-towers has excited Mayor Dr Shubha Raul — she proposed 10 such towers in gardens across the city – the group feels making their way through the labyrinth setup of the civic body was a huge challenge.

“It has been a roller-coaster ride over the last two years. We didn't know till the last minute if it could be constructed. The officials have hundred things to do, but we have shown that if resident groups show interest and follow up with officials they are more than co-operative,” says M N Shah, an engineer.

Shah had been at the forefront of co-ordinating the activities with local civic officials, and gets much acclaim for that.

“When I was a small boy I remember there was a clock tower here. But over the years it had become heritage. By creating this tower, which is a fruit of their friendship, they have brought back old memories. They have done a jolly good job,” nods septuagenarian Anand, as he proceeds for his walk.

The group is now looking forward to replicating their success elsewhere, with the Egyptian government offering to collaborate with them for a garden in Cairo.