Hyderabad restores Osmania University stepwell after decades
HYDERABAD: A historic stepwell at Osmania University has regained its original form after decades of neglect that had reduced it to a garbage dump.
The Adikmet stepwell, with a history of around 300 years, was reopened on April 18, 2026, marking World Heritage Day. Minister Jupally Krishna Rao inaugurated the restored structure and launched the ‘Baoli Art Sangam’ initiative.
Three-year clean-up restores historic structure
Residents had been dumping plastic and household waste into the 70-foot-deep well. Around 3,000 tonnes of waste accumulated, pushing the structure towards near destruction.
The Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour (SAHE), with government support, undertook a three-year restoration. The work included waste removal, desilting, cleaning, and structural repairs. The project received ₹1 crore in funding from a private dairy firm.
Water reuse supports campus gardens
After restoration, the stepwell now supplies up to 35,000 litres of water daily for maintaining university gardens.
During the clean-up, workers rescued a puppy trapped in the debris and named it “Addy”. The dog has since become the project’s mascot, symbolising the effort’s broader value beyond restoration.
Cultural reuse planned for heritage sites
Officials said heritage structures would be developed as cultural centres rather than static monuments. Art exhibitions and events will be organised to support local artists.
Architect Kalpana Ramesh said the project highlights the need to protect urban water bodies. She added that restoring neglected heritage can turn them into functional public resources.
