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Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
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.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Obscene Graffiti Near HC Judge's Bungalow Sparks Outrage
Nagpur: In a disturbing act of public indecency, unknown miscreants spray-painted male genitalia on a 'Running Track' signboard on Walkers Street, sparking outrage among local residents and officials. The board is located in a high-security zone, adjacent to the Matoshree bungalow of Nagpur bench of Bombay high court's justice Anil Kilor, and directly opposite Antarishk Bhavan. The matter came to light over 48 hours ago after a video of the defaced board went viral on social media. The graffiti, perceived by some as a prank, raised serious concerns over public decency and civic responsibility, especially given the sensitive location, surrounded by bungalows of senior judges and proximity to the chief minister's residence, Ramgiri. When TOI visited the site on Thursday, the spray-painted imagery was still on the board. Residents confirmed that the graffiti had been present for more than two days but claimed the matter was brushed off as a joke by most passers-by. "Such obscenity is sadly not uncommon at railway stations and public monuments. But to see something like this in such a high-profile, well-guarded area is a shocking violation of public decorum," said resident Shrey Verma. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Argentina: Nueva oportunidad de inversión en Miami Financiación Empresarial Más información Undo "This is not just graffiti — it's a direct insult to the judiciary and the govt." Despite the location's prominence and the nature of the defacement, no formal complaint was lodged with the police until Thursday. Inspector Manish Thakare of Sadar police station confirmed that the incident was not officially reported. "We were not informed about the graffiti earlier. Now that it has come to our notice, we will follow protocol by informing the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), and a non-cognizable offence will be registered," he said. Thakare also said that nearby CCTV footage would be retrieved and examined to identify and apprehend the culprits. "This kind of act cannot be tolerated. We will be tracking down those responsible." The incident has reignited the debate on rising vandalism in public spaces and the need for stricter surveillance and enforcement. Citizens have also urged the civic authorities to clean the defaced signage promptly and take proactive measures to prevent recurrence.
