Stepwells at Osmania University: Restoration of Three Heritage Water Systems (Hyderabad, Telangana)

Historic Background

There are three historic stepwells on the campus of Osmania University which are currently in a dilapidated state due to years of neglect; they are the stepwells at the Education Department, the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) Campus, and the Adikmet colony.

These ancient water structures were part of a historic estate belonging to the erstwhile royal family associated with Mah Laqa Chanda Bai, a famous female poet, singer, and political advisor at the court of the second and third Nizams of Hyderabad.

In those days, the stepwells were used to support the drinking water needs of the royal estate during the dry season, while their surroundings served as places for cultural performances and social gatherings. Due to rapid urbanization around the campus and expansion of the University starting in the mid-20^th century, the ground water was depleted, and the stepwells fell into disrepair. The bores dug by the University could not meet its water needs.

Importance of Stepwell Restoration for the University Community

The revival of these historic stepwells is very important in the context of heightened water scarcity and increased need for resource conservation. Once restored, these water systems would not only meet the modern-day needs of the University, but they would also recharge the ground water. Research and mapping conducted by The Rainwater Project and SAHE show that all these stepwells are connected through subterranean aquifers which could be revived to meet the water needs of the community.

In addition to the functional aspect, these stepwells also have significant architectural features that deserve to be saved, such as beautiful arcades with corridors and multiple terraces connected by stairways.

Problematic Condition of the Stepwells 

Multiple issues affect these stepwells, including:

• Debris and garbage deposits built up over many decades.
• Vegetation overgrowth
• Soil and silt deposits which have closed the natural aquifer, the water source.
• Deteriorated architectural elements such as broken parapets and stairways.
• Loss of plaster, cracks in vaults, broken masonry, etc.

Stepwell Restoration Proposal

The revival of the stepwells will proceed in three stages, as follows:

1. Cleaning, dewatering, desilting, and waste removal – to revive the natural source of water, the subterranean aquifer.
2. Restoring the architectural integrity and original finishes of the heritage structures.
3. Refurbishing the areas around the stepwells for adaptive reuse, to make the spaces relevant for modern needs.

Benefits of the Project

This project will have multiple benefits for the University community and surrounding areas, namely:

• Conservation of historic water structures
• Water resource management
• Meeting drinking water needs
• Flood mitigation
• Sustainable economic redevelopment

Collaboration of two NGOs and Osmania University

The Project proposal is initiated by The Rainwater Project in collaboration with Deccan Heritage Foundation with full support of Osmania University.

Budget

• The total cost is estimated at USD $349,000, as shown below.
• The Adikmet and Education Department stepwells are already funded by a donor. USD $ 192,000 is being sought for restoring the stepwell on the EFLU Campus.

• Revival of all three stepwells will lead to the restoration of a holistic ecosystem within one watershed area.
• The revival of the EFLU stepwell will provide water for the hostels and gardens within the campus, including the possibility of making potable water using a water treatment system.