Traditional Water Systems Revival: Stepwells as Sustainable Urban Water Management Solution

Hindustan Times - India · 6 Apr 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Environment Mains · GS3 Environment and biodiversity High relevance

Indian cities are restoring historic stepwells and water systems to address urban water crises, with projects like Bansilalpet in Telangana demonstrating their dual role as water sources and community spaces while enhancing groundwater recharge.

Key points

Bansilalpet Stepwell in Secunderabad, restored from 3,000 tonnes of garbage, now provides drinking water with 28-foot water levels even in peak summer, serving as a model for urban water revival.

Historic Water Systems of India initiative led by WMFI with ASI and TCS Foundation has restored structures like Rajon ki Baoli in Delhi, integrating them into modern water management networks.

The Rainwater Project by architect Kalpana Ramesh has revived 30+ stepwells in Telangana, focusing on post-restoration sustainability through public engagement and local economies.

[GS3-Environment] Traditional stepwells act as engineered recharge systems, enhancing groundwater through storage and percolation, but require geohydrological assessments due to urban infrastructure disruptions.

Community-CSR-Government partnership model funds restoration, exemplified by Bansilalpet's 18-month cleanup funded through collaborative efforts, creating 2,000 weekly visitors and local livelihoods.

Sevavardhini in Maharashtra restored Fakirachi Barav supplying 40,000 people, while EFI revived Moosi Rani Sagar in Rajasthan, demonstrating grassroots impact on water security.

This connects to GS2-Governance as it showcases decentralized water management aligning with SDG 6 (clean water) and National Water Policy's emphasis on traditional systems.

Urban challenges like surface sealing and sewage leakage reduce traditional systems' effectiveness, necessitating scientific integration with modern infrastructure for optimal recharge.

Way Forward: Mandate stepwell restoration in urban planning under AMRUT 2.0, establish a National Traditional Water Systems Authority for documentation and funding, and integrate them with Jal Jeevan Mission for rural-urban water equity.

Key terms

World Monuments Fund India

Non-profit preserving cultural heritage sites, partnering with ASI on water system revivals. Significant for GS2 governance questions on NGO-state partnerships in heritage conservation and urban planning.

Aquifer Recharge

The process of water percolating through soil to replenish underground water tables. Critical for GS3 Environment questions on groundwater management, especially given India's status as the world's largest groundwater user.

Day Zero

The point when a city's water supply runs out, forcing extreme rationing. Relevant for GS3 disaster management and urban planning, highlighting India's water stress where 21 cities may face Day Zero by 2030 per NITI Aayog.

Stepwells

Ancient Indian water storage structures designed for drinking, irrigation, and groundwater recharge, typically featuring stepped sides for access. Their UPSC relevance lies in sustainable water management solutions under climate stress, with architectural heritage value under GS1-Indian Culture.