What is the towering significance of Andheri’s Gilbert Hill?

Rising 225 feet above the ground, the majestic Gilbert Hill located in the Mumbai suburb of Andheri is nothing short of a geological wonder. Fine-grained basalt rocks born from the rapid cooling of lava are commonly horizontal structures, but the Gilbert Hill rock is a huge monolith vertical column, a clear outcome of the stress and shrinkage of a cooling lava which is not in flowing state, akin to how the earth develops cracks during summer.

Prior to 1937, which was the year mining was legalized in India, the hill was reportedly ten times the present size and nurtured a dense forest that was home to a rich variety of bird species. Later, when geologists highlighted the incredible legacy of the hill, it was declared a National Park in 1952, and a government order was passed in 1956 prohibiting further mining activities with immediate effect {albeit, many persevering offenders merrily defied the order, also with immediate effect!} Renowned ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali is said to have been extremely upset to note the massive destruction of the hill during his 1976 visit in search of rare birds.

Hearteningly, the trustees of the Hanuman and Gamdevi temples atop the hill have been active crusaders of the preservation efforts. The structure was declared Grade II heritage in 2007.?A restoration project to fortify the hill was also undertaken under the guidance of experts from IIT.

A proud relic of the Mesozoic era, the hill precedes human existence, and it has a discernible similarity with two volcanic rock national monuments in the US of A: Devils Postpile in California, and Devils Tower in Wyoming.

There is no unanimity on why the hill was named so. According to some reports, it is named after American geologist Grove Karl Gilbert of 'laccolith' fame, while others attribute the name to a British officer named Gilbert who was stationed in Andheri. Whichever the authentic source, the venerated hill remains a great monument of the past which has blessed our present, and in all probability, will sanctify our future. ?