Rescued from garbage: Karnataka's 300-year-old stepwell restored by volunteers
A nearly 300-year-old stepwell in Karnataka's Belagavi district, buried under garbage and sewage for almost three decades, has been restored by a community-led effort. The stepwell, located in Mutga village's Kanchveer Nagar, was rediscovered under layers of waste and silt before volunteers from the Pyaas Foundation, along with NSS volunteers and local residents, undertook its revival.
Stepwells are ancient water-harvesting structures common in parts of India, built with steps leading down to the water. Many have fallen into disuse due to modern water systems and neglect. This particular stepwell, estimated to be from the 18th century, had become a dumping ground over the years.
The restoration work involved removing debris, cleaning the structure, and repairing damaged sections. Social worker Nitin Khot supported the effort. The project has drawn attention to the importance of preserving traditional water systems and heritage sites. Today, the stepwell is clean and functional, attracting visitors and sparking conversations on conservation.
The success of this restoration highlights the impact of volunteer-driven initiatives. The Pyaas Foundation has plans to identify and restore more such neglected water bodies in the region.
