Ancient Wells Flow Again, Saving India from "Day Zero"

Centuries-old stepwells across India are being restored to provide vital drinking water as parts of the country face extreme water scarcity and the potential for "day zero." In Hyderabad, the 17th-century Bansilalpet stepwell has been successfully revived after an 18-month effort to clear decades of accumulated rubbish. This restoration has transformed the once-dumping ground into a source of clean water for the local community.

The initiative, spearheaded by architect Kalpana Ramesh, aims to re-establish these ancient structures as sustainable water sources. Ramesh has already revived 25 stepwells in Telangana, with the goal of equipping them all with filtration systems to ensure potable water. This work is crucial as India grapples with a severe water crisis, with demand projected to double by 2030 and many states facing depleted groundwater resources.

These revived stepwells, along with broader water management strategies like rainwater harvesting and lake rejuvenation, are showing promising results. Measures taken in the Hyderabad region have led to a noticeable rise in groundwater levels. The effort underscores the potential of these historic structures to provide accessible and clean water, promoting community engagement in water conservation.