Unveiling India's Ancient Stepwells: A Modern Solution to Water Scarcity
India's historic stepwells, once vital water sources, are now being revitalized to combat modern water shortages.
In a remarkable feat of conservation, an Indian environmentalist and editor has dedicated himself to restoring hundreds of natural and man-made water sources across India. His nonprofit, the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), has cleaned and reshaped over 600 bodies of water, bringing them back to life for both nature and human use. Among these projects, the restoration of stepwells, ancient architectural marvels, has become a key focus.
Arun Krishnamurthy, the driving force behind EFI, shares his passion for stepwell restoration in an interview with CNN. He emphasizes the scientific principles and artisanal skills behind these structures, describing the experience as "quite a remarkable journey."
Krishnamurthy and his volunteers have already restored two stepwells, with six more slated for 2026. The stepwells present unique challenges compared to the natural ponds and lakes they have worked on. Their designs and construction methods often rely on antique techniques, requiring Krishnamurthy to seek out experts in these traditional skills.
One such project is the restoration of the Moosi Rani Sagar, a magnificent stepwell in Rajasthan. This ancient structure, nestled among India's oldest mountains, was once fed by a hillside collection tank and a 900-meter-long canal. The canal's sedimentation tank ensured the water was cleared of debris and sediment before reaching the stepwell. However, over time, lack of civic organization and poverty led to these convenient water sources becoming garbage dumps.
With support from the Hinduja Foundation and Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation, the Moosi Rani Sagar was dredged, its stones cleaned, and the water pumped out. The holding tank not only became a local attraction but also contributes to the civic water supply, blending archaic and modern solutions for the parched state of Rajasthan.
The story of Moosi Rani Sagar is just one example of the potential for stepwell restoration. Vikramjit Singh Rooprai, a heritage advocate and writer, highlights the discovery of a stepwell structure beneath a garbage dump in Delhi. After restoration, the Purana Qila Baoli now provides ample water for irrigating the lawns of the Old Fort in Delhi.
Krishnamurthy and Rooprai envision a future where stepwell restoration becomes a widespread solution for water scarcity across the subcontinent. With millions of gallons of water at stake, these ancient structures offer a unique blend of history, science, and civic engagement, making them a brilliant part-tourist destination and part civic project.
