Encroachments removed from Holkar-era stepwell in Mhow village

Times News NetworkMhow: Encroachments were removed from a Holkar-era stepwell (Bawdi) in Jaamkhurd village of Mhow tehsil during a two-day anti-encroachment drive that ended on Wednesday.The stepwell, located about 15 km from Mhow, is one of over 100 such structures that were built by Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar between Indore city and her capital Maheshwar.These iconic stepwells are an ancient Indian rainwater harvesting system, featuring staircases leading down to water levels. Found in MP, Rajasthan and Gujarat, the bawdis served as vital sources of drinking water and storage for communities.A water conservation activist in Mhow’s tribal areas, Punjalal Ninama, highlighted its historical importance: “Stepwells are India’s ancient water conservation architecture.

Ahilyabai’s initiatives provided sustainable water access centuries ago. Over time, this stepwell fell victim to encroachment and neglect. The Jaamkhurd stepwell, once a primary water source for villagers, has now been cleared and handed over to the village panchayat.

Plans include conservation, deepening, beautification, and plantation drives to boost water security and groundwater recharge,” he said.Jaamkhurd sarpanch, Gugabai Davar, expressed hope that this stepwell would now again become a perennial source of drinking water for the village residents.