Delhi's baolis or step wells known for their ornate design and striking beauty lay in ruins today, but what disturbs the environmentalists more is the loss of traditional knowledge-based system of conservation which could have proved a lifeline for the city suffering from water crisis.
"Most of us look at baolis as tourist attractions, but we fail to understand the importance of such structures in conserving water and showing us the path to adopt traditional knowledge systems as a solution to our environmental concerns," Rashmi Nair, a Delhi-based environmental activist, said.
Baolis, commonly found in the western part of India, are wells or ponds in which water may be reached by descending a set of steps. Seen as structures with high architectural value and earthquake resistant features, baolis are also hailed for their sulphur-rich water having skin healing properties.
Despite the structures being an asset for environment, less seems to have been done for their revival.
"Baolis were an important source of water in ancient times but with the coming in of tube wells and piped water supply, the step well structures lost their relevance of being the only source of water.
"The crucial factor in reviving the baolis of the city lies in the replenishment of groundwater levels," says R M Bhardawaj, senior scientist of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Bharadwaj states that a number of measures need to be taken before the age old baolis can be revived.
"We need to work on a system that ensures sustainability of the water table. The idea of refilling the baolis is close to impossible in the cities where water demands are scaling new heights every day. The only way out is increasing the level of sub-surface water," he added.
The senior scientist also talks about other factors that are crippling the existence and revival of the age-old baolis.
"There is a clear lack of an inventory that mentions the exact number of step wells in the city. Apart from the known structures, many of the unknown step wells have been encroached upon in the city," says Bharadwaj.
"The authority needs to earmark these places as 'protected sites' so that due attention is drawn toward them for their revival," he added.
Delhi houses Agrasen ki baoli, Nizamuddin baoli, Gandhak ki baoli and Rajao ki baoli; out of which only the baoli at Nizamuddin has an active underground spring that ensures a continuous supply of fresh water .
Ask the residents of Nizamuddin why the baoli there stands tall when all the other baolis of the city have either caved in or dried up; one is greeted with a smile.
"We believe the water in this baoli is blessed so we ensure that it remains clean and running throughout the year.
We do not wait for the officials to come and look after the baoli, we do it ourselves," says Zahir, who sells flowers outside the Sufi shrine of Nizamuddin basti, close to which lies the baoli.
"Water in the baoli has remained so for the past 800 years. It is a natural structure that has given cool, fresh water to the people here. What distinguishes our baoli from the rest is the dedication of the people as well as the authority in paying heed to our needs," he said.
"Many private players also help us in keeping the baoli structure in good shape. Aga Khan Memorial Trust of Culture, for instance, helped the baoli to dispose of the decomposed muck that had settled in the baoli years ago," said Syed Afsar Ali Nizami, in-charge of Dargah Sharif.
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