20-05-2025
Bhosale-era well choked with algae and garbage
Nagpur: A centuries-old stone well, located in the secluded forested patch along the stretch of road — locally known as Amraipara road — between Sonegaon and the Nagpur Airport, lies in a state of disrepair.
Once a vital water source and an example of
traditional water architecture
, the well has now been reduced to a dumping ground, its waters stagnant and choked with algae and waste.
The structure, believed to be from the Bhosale period, features a deep, stone-lined reservoir with curved walls and arched alcoves, hinting at the craftsmanship of a bygone era. The multicoloured brick layers and symmetrical design suggest multiple construction phases, pointing to its historic civic utility—possibly as part of a step well system or a colonial water network.
Now, the well stands buried under years of neglect. Rusting iron beams span the width of the well, indicating retrofitting efforts that have since failed. The surface is covered with green moss and algae, while the bottom is littered with plastic bottles, polythene bags and other debris. Tree roots creep through the walls, and the air is heavy with the stench of decay.
Locals living nearby are dismayed. Janardhan Kale, a resident of HB Estate, said: "It's very sad that such an old monument lies in this sorry state.
It could have been a heritage attraction, but now it's a health hazard. The site is often overlooked because of its hidden location near the temple and tree cover."
The well, supposedly once a source of clean water, has now become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a risk to nearby groundwater. With no fencing or signage, it poses a danger to children and passers-by.
Despite the evident heritage value of the structure, efforts toward conservation remain non-existent. When approached by The Times of India, officials from the
Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) said the well is not listed as a protected site under either state or national heritage categories.
"It does not fall under our jurisdiction," an official stated, adding that the ASI cannot allocate resources to structures not officially recognized.
Citizens, however, argue that lack of documentation or listing should not prevent authorities from preserving culturally significant structures. "Every time we lose a piece of history to garbage and neglect, we lose a story," said Shrey Verma, a resident of HB Estate.
Locals are now demanding that the Nagpur Municipal Corporation or the State Archaeology Department take responsibility for cleaning and fencing the well, and begin the process of heritage recognition.
