Continuing its efforts to revitalise Hyderabad’s historical bowlis, the State government is now collaborating with the administration of Osmania University (OU) to restore the stepwell on the University campus.
On Monday, the restoration of the stepwell named after Mah Laqa Chanda Bai, a renowned poet, dancer, singer, political advisor, philanthropist, and promoter of girls’ education, began.
The stepwell in the Osmania University College of Education dates back to the 18th century and was built by Chanda Bai.
While the bowli was built to provide drinking water during the dry season, the surrounding area of the stepwell was used as a cultural complex with space for intellectual gatherings, cultural performances, and meetings.
The stepwell existed before Mir Osman Ali Khan founded the University, and the current land of the University was given to Mir Osman Ali Khan by Mah Laqa Chanda Bai.
However, the lackadaisical approach of previous governments to maintaining the aesthetically designed stepwell, which has steps on opposite sides and a platform, has taken a toll on the structure over time.
One of the stairs facing the main road was previously closed due to road widening and the construction of a boundary wall. The boundary and inside walls of the well have also taken a beating.
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Furthermore, the well is filled up with plastic, bottles, and other trash, in addition to algal blooms blossoming in the water.
After a student from the University College of Education tweeted to MA&UD Minister KT Rama Rao, he directed his department to begin restoration work in collaboration with the University administration.
To restore this stepwell, the experts who recently revived a stepwell in Bansilalpet that won the prestigious Big 5 Construction Impact Award in Dubai will be sought.
After finishing the restoration of the Mah Laqa Chanda Bai stepwell, the varsity administration intends to revitalise two more stepwells on campus.
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