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India.com
26-05-2025
- General
- India.com
The Forgotten Stepwells Of Mumbai – 7 Hidden Gems From The Past
The vibrant financial metropolis of India known as Mumbai contains beneath its skyscraper-studded present an architectural mystery. Historical stepwells exist throughout the city although few people remember these structures since they served as essential water reservoirs and social meeting places in the past. The stepwells exist undisturbed throughout Mumbai's chaotic development to share the historical and cultural significance which defines the city. What Are Stepwells? Traditional Indian water-harvesting infrastructure known as stepwells features a stairway design which allows people to descend to the water level near the ground. These architectural marvels were made to provide both consistent water access during drought periods and heat protection for people. Stepwells functioned on dual levels since they provided water storage with which people could socialize as well as rest along with practicing rituals. Stepwells are usually linked to states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan but Mumbai holds its own collection of these concealed landmarks. Many stepwells hide beneath new concrete constructions while being blocked by unlawful encroachments due to urban development at a quick pace together with abandonment. Historical Significance of Mumbai's Stepwells Centuries ago Mumbai witnessed the establishment of stepwells that builders constructed throughout the rule of various dynastic rulers including those of the Maratha Empire and during the Portuguese period. The ancient engineers designed these sustainable water management systems which demonstrated their advanced understanding of sustainable water management before this topic became a main global issue. Mumbai (which was known as Bombay during the pre-colonial period) consisted of multiple islands until then so stepwells delivered essential water supply to the local social groups. The region turned to British colonial settlement through time and British water supply advancements displaced the traditional water structures to historical obscurity. The Western Indian heritage site known as the Banganga Tank is situated within Walkeshwar in South Mumbai. The ancient tank complex features step-like structures although it is technically not designated as a stepwell and maintains its status as one of Mumbai's oldest water structures in existence. The Hindu pilgrimage spot known as Banganga was constructed in 1127 AD by the Silhara dynasty through remains sacred to devotees who still travel to the site for worship. Umarkhadi Baoli stands as another hidden treasure which can be found adjacent to Crawford Market. The Mughal period era brought to life this stepwell which stands tall with its characteristic carvings and stone decorations from that time. The structure now exists in a condition of decay because surrounding buildings cover it and it is filled with discarded waste. Architectural Marvels Lost in Time Stepwells in Mumbai combine utilitarian design with exceptional artistic qualities in their architecture. Locally obtained stone materials formed the foundation of these structures which exhibit symmetrical arrangements of ornate carving work with geometric patterns. The descending staircases which run alongside arches at each floor produce an impressive effect that transcends practical utility. At Vihar Lake Stepwell near Powai viewers can find an elegant design that incorporates simple elements. The British colonial period builders constructed this stepwell which belonged to a water resource management project for the expanding population. Her broken-up remains continue to show the impressive engineering skills practitioners employed during that period even though they lost their purpose. The Ambarnath Temple Complex in Kalyan remains outside modern Mumbai but contains a fancy step well that demands recognition. Built during the 11th century this historical stepwell showcased unity between functional design and Hindu temple architecture because it contained statues representing deities and mythological figures. Challenges Facing Mumbai's Stepwells Today Despite their rich heritage and cultural value many stepwells located in Mumbai experience multiple survival challenges. Stepwells in Mumbai face the dangers of development-based encroachment combined with environmental pollution as well as destructive structural issues. Stepwells suffer from double neglect because some of them serve as landfills yet others exist in neglected states covered by plant life. A lack of awareness about these structures exacerbates the problem. Stepwells in Mumbai fail to attract preservation efforts at the level observed for iconic landmarks that include the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The poor awareness about these architectural masterpieces among locals extends to their continued deterioration. There has only been occasional and minimal progress toward the revival and restoration of these stepwells. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) occasionally raises conservation awareness through systematic barriers that continue to affect the situation. The lack of funding combined with administrative barriers along with multiple organizational demands slows down improvement efforts. Rediscovering Mumbai's Stepwells People have increasingly shown interest during recent times in finding and bringing back Mumbai's lost stepwells. The restoration of obscured architectural elements occurred through local group-led heritage walks and social media popularity campaigns which led to these structures re-emerging in public awareness. The guided tours organized by 'Heritage Walks Mumbai' introduce participants to stepwells along with other lesser-known monuments thus helping people appreciate the architectural heritage of Mumbai. These hidden gems received increased attention when documentaries and articles started focusing on them as their awareness value rose. The documentary 'Baoli: The Forgotten Wells' takes viewers through the historical development along with the current state of stepwells spread across Maharashtra so people today can understand their value in modern society. Some architectural experts together with historians pledge for the incorporation of stepwells into contemporary urban design efforts. These experts maintain that cities should transform defunct stepwell structures into sustainable water solutions which will protect cultural heritage and assist with water scarcity and climate change. Summary Stepwells that Mumbai has lost are deeper than mere antiquities because they contain traditions from multiple centuries alongside personal and societal endurance principles. These landmarks represent environmentally-friendly life practices which offer practical guidance for handling environmental difficulties of our current times. These architectural masterpieces face complete disappearance because of the lack of focused efforts to protect them. Government bodies alongside conservationists and Mumbai citizens must join forces in order to revive these forgotten historical features. The implementation of supportive policies with heightened public understanding will create opportunities to restore stepwells into Mumbai's urban environment. The city of Mumbai will rediscover its cultural heritage while sustaining the ancient legacy of its past by embracing these undiscovered historical sites.
India.com
24-05-2025
- India.com
Top 5 Breathtaking Motorcycle Routes To Explore Near Pune
Pune stands as both a commercial and academic center of Maharashtra and functions as an access point to luxurious Western Indian vistas. Motorcycle enthusiasts starting from Pune can access a variety of stirring motorbike journeys between exhilarating routes and mesmerizing scenery. The following list includes seven breathtaking motorcycle routes which depart from Pune city and are suitable for riders of all experience levels. 1. Lavasa: A Picturesque Hill Station Ride Distance from Pune: ~60 km Motorcyclists can experience Sinhagad Road followed by Pirangut leading to Mulshi Dam which eventually directs them to Lavasa. The first planned hill station of India named Lavasa requires a visit from all bikers. The trip passes through twisting roads which lead bikers through verdant landscapes and peaceful lakes while passing through breathtaking valleys. When reaching Lavasa the area metamorphosed to become a European-inspired township situated within the Sahyadri mountain range. A visit to the Mulshi Dam route introduces a majestic new element because the contemplative lake water creates elegant reflections of the surrounding hills. Those who desire both outdoor scenery and architectural sightseeing will find perfection in this journey. 2. Lonavala-Khandala: A Classic Weekend Getaway Distance from Pune: ~65 km The journey goes through Mumbai-Bangalore Highway (NH48) before leading through Khandala Ghat then stops at Tiger's Leap after a visit to Bhushi Dam. The Lonavala-Khandala travel route serves as one of the prime weekend vacation spots located near Pune. This ride opens up with the ghat section which presents both exhilarating bends and sweeping views of the Western Ghats. The photo-worthy attractions of Lonavala-Khandala are Tiger's Leap and Bhushi Dam. The traffic tends to slow down in monsoon due to stronger waterfalls at Kune Falls and Duke's Nose bringing happiness to motorcyclists who want both adventure and natural sights. 3. Malshej Ghat: A Monsoon Marvel Distance from Pune: ~120 km Travel along the route from Ahmednagar Road toward Nagar Road before reaching Malshej Ghat and continue to Pimpalgaon Joga. Malshej Ghat showcases breathtaking sights to its audiences especially during wet weather because the area transforms into a spectacle of falling waterfalls and mountain peaks wrapped in fog. Both the ride route and its driving experience create suspense because of the many steep hills and sharp turns which navigate through forested areas. Traveling through this route will lead you to both visit Harishchandragad Fort and enjoy multiple viewpoints from which you can admire valley landscapes. Two distinct communities adore this location since it suits both nature admirers and photographers. 4. Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Loop: A Serene Escape Distance from Pune: ~120 km (to Mahabaleshwar) The journey begins at Wai before moving to Panchgani and then visits Table Land and finally ends at Mahabaleshwar. This loop leads travelers to connect between the famous tourist destinations Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in a single magnificent passage. Tourists experience a journey which leads to grassy hills and ends at strawberry farms and idyllic towns. The Table Land in Panchgani functions as an exceptional observation point for viewing the surrounding landscape because it stands as one of the largest flat-topped mountains of Asia. Both recreational destinations attract tourists with their colonial atmosphere alongside breathtaking sights across the Krishna Valley. The journey provides an excellent experience for people who want both peace and beautiful natural scenery. 5. Tamhini Ghat: A Nature Lover's Paradise Distance from Pune: ~70 km The journey starts with traveling along Pune-Bangalore Expressway toward Tamhini Ghat while crossing through Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists find delight in Tamhini Ghat as it provides Western Ghats visitors an opportunity to experience its natural biodiversity and abundant forests. The challenging and tight pathway provides motorcycle riders with intense excitement but the thick forest cover provides both exciting and pleasant riding conditions. When the monsoon season sets in, the area attracts numerous waterfall destinations including Nane Ghat and Amba Ghat. Spend more time on your trip to discover the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary which shelters various plant and animal species. Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride The following advice will help make your trip safer before starting any of these rides. The motorcycle needs to be fully checked before a ride to confirm it functions properly and its tires maintain correct pressure levels and oil quantities as well as its brakes function correctly. Stay alert to the weather reports particularly during the monsoonal season because wet roads present a dangerous condition. Safety Gear Consists Of Protective Clothing Together With Gloves And A Helmet That Should Always Be Worn To Prevent Injuries. Prepare in advance to have water and snacks alongside basic medical supplies and route-finding equipment. Show respect for the natural environment by leaving no litter behind and treating the people of local communities as well as wildlife with kindness. Conclusion From its central location Pune provides ideal access to explore all the diverse land features across Maharashtra through these remarkable excursions. Each adventure-packed drive provides lifelong memories since it guides visitors through mystic ghat passages and enables both fort exploration and peaceful hill station experiences. You should prepare your vehicle and start driving because these scenic pathways will mesmerize you with their breathtaking views.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
How This Indian City Is Using Smartwatches To Deal With Searing Heat
Sapnaben Chunara spends most of the day outdoors because it is even hotter in her tin-roofed house in Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighborhood on the outskirts of the Western Indian city of Ahmedabad. Indoor temperatures can be hotter, especially when outside temperatures climb above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F). That was once rare but now happens regularly. And this year, high heat started three weeks earlier than in previous years, touching 43 degrees Celsius (109.40 F) in early April. Chunara is one of 204 residents of Vanzara Vas given wristwatch-style health monitors as part of a year-long study to find out how heat affects vulnerable communities around the world. Show Full
South China Morning Post
03-05-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Indians weather the heat with smartwatches and cool roofs
It is a little past 10am and the heat is already blazing on the outskirts of the Western Indian city of Ahmedabad. Advertisement Sapnaben Chunara, a 30-year-old mother of three, has just finished her morning chores. She seeks respite from the heat in the shade of a neem tree, a species that can withstand high temperatures and drought. Chunara spends most of the day outdoors in Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighbourhood of about 800 families, because her tin-roofed house is even hotter. Indoor temperatures can be even higher, especially when outside they climb above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). That was once rare but now happens regularly. And this year, high heat started three weeks earlier than in previous years, touching 43 degrees in early April. 'Sometimes it gets so hot, I can't think straight,' said Chunara, sporting a black smartwatch that contrasts sharply with her colourful bangles and sari. Data collector Komal Parmar (right) talks to Sapnaben Chunara to get heat related information in Ahmedabad, India, on April 2. Photo: AP Chunara is one of 204 residents of Vanzara Vas given the smartwatches for a year-long study to find out how heat affects vulnerable communities around the world.
Euronews
02-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
This Indian city is using smartwatches to track the impact of increasingly deadly extreme heat
ADVERTISEMENT It's a little past 10 a.m. and the heat is already blazing on the outskirts of the Western Indian city of Ahmedabad. Sapnaben Chunara, a 30-year-old mother of three, has just finished her morning chores. She seeks respite from the heat in the shade of a neem tree, a species that can withstand high temperatures and drought. Chunara spends most of the day outdoors in Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighbourhood of about 800 families, because her tin-roofed house is even hotter. Indoor temperatures can be even higher, especially when outside they climb above 40 degrees Celsius. That was once rare, but now it happens regularly . And this year, high heat started three weeks earlier than in previous years, touching 43 degrees Celsius in early April. Related Your rooftop solar panels could be at risk from cyberattacks. Here's how we can fortify the tech Nappies, smartphone glass, and cigarette butts are piling up in Europe. How can we recycle them? 'Sometimes it gets so hot, I can't think straight,' said Chunara, sporting a black smartwatch that contrasts sharply with her colourful bangles and sari. Chunara is one of 204 residents of Vanzara Vas given the smartwatches for a year-long study to find out how heat affects vulnerable communities around the world. The watches measure heart rate and pulse and track sleep, and participants get weekly blood pressure checks. Data collector Komal Parmar, right, talks with Sapnaben Chunara to get heat related information in Ahmedabad, India. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki Researchers also painted some roofs with reflective paint to reduce indoor heat and will compare them to homes without so-called cool roofs using indoor heat sensors. Along with the smartwatches, this will help them understand how much cool roofs can help poor households deal with India's scorching summers. Chunara, whose home didn't get a cool roof, said she's happy to participate by wearing the watch, confident the results will help her family, too. "They might paint my roof as well, and they might be able to do something that helps all of us in this area cope with the heat better,' Chunara said. Killer heat is the new normal in India Cities like Ahmedabad have always had hot summers, but now they're nearing the threshold beyond which exposure for more than a few hours can be fatal. In the summer of 2010, the city witnessed nearly 1,300 excess deaths — how many more people died than would be expected — which experts found were most likely due to high temperatures. An increasingly hot planet , due largely to burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas that release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, means already hot regions are getting even worse. A 2023 study estimated that if the global mean temperature continues to rise to just under 2 degrees Celsius, there would be a 370 per cent rise in heat-related deaths around the world, and most would happen in South and Southeast Asia and Africa. People wheel in a heat stroke patient, covered in ice cube bags, at a hospital in Ahmadabad, India, May 21, 2010. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki, File 'This is a big concern, and it also shows the heat divide' between the poor and wealthy, said Abhiyant Tiwari, a climate expert with the Natural Resources Defence Council and part of the group conducting the research in Ahmedabad. Following the 2010 tragedy, city officials, with help from public health and heat experts, devised an action plan to warn citizens when the heat is at dangerous levels and prepare city hospitals to respond rapidly to heat-related illness. The plan has been replicated across India and other parts of South Asia. ADVERTISEMENT The last two years have been the world's hottest ever, and researchers hope their work can provide an additional line of defence for those who bear the brunt of increasing heat. Finding solutions to deal with the heat The Ahmedabad study is only one part of a global research project examining how heat is affecting poor, vulnerable communities in four cities across the world. Researchers are also measuring heat impacts using smartwatches and other devices in Africa's Burkina Faso, the Pacific island of Niue near New Zealand and in the Sonoran desert region in Mexico. A man applies reflective paint on the roof of a house to reduce indoor heat in Ahmedabad, India. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki More than 1.1 billion people — about one-eighth of the world's population — live in informal settlements and poor neighbourhoods that are particularly vulnerable , said Aditi Bunker, environmental health researcher associated with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and Heidelberg University, Germany, who is leading the global project. 'Climate change and heat are ravaging populations. And now the question comes, what are we doing to address this?' she said, referring to the motivation behind the research. ADVERTISEMENT In Ahmedabad, Bunker, along with researchers at the Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, is constantly collecting relevant health data. Related Deadly floods, storms and heatwaves: Europe suffered the 'serious impacts' of climate change in 2024 Fact check: Did wind and solar really cause Portugal and Spain's mass blackout? If they find that cool roofs effectively reduce indoor heat , they plan to paint the roofs of all the homes. Researchers hope their study leads to more use of solutions like cool roofs for poor, vulnerable populations around the world — and that policymakers will factor in such solutions when deciding how their countries and communities can adapt to increasing heat exposure. People walk through buildings in Vanzara Vas, a low-income neighborhood, in Ahmedabad, India. AP Photo/Ajit Solanki For now, Vanzara Vas residents like Chunara and her neighbour, Shantaben Vanzara, said they will take any help they can get. Shantaben Vanzara said the heat has made her diabetes worse, but being part of the study has provided her family some respite. 'We don't get to sleep because of the heat," she said. "After the roof got painted, we can sleep for a few hours a night at least.' ADVERTISEMENT Chunara said temperatures used to be predictable. 'Now we don't know when or what will happen,' she said. 'The only thing that we know for sure is that the heat is getting worse every year.'
