Maharashtra Unveils a Bold Plan to Save Its Vanishing Stepwells

Earlier this week, officials from the Maharashtra state tourism and cultural affairs departments gathered in Mumbai to outline a sweeping new programme aimed at rescuing the region’s fading stepwells – the subterranean water reservoirs, locally known as baolis, that once dotted the landscape.

These structures, some dating back to the 12th‑century Maratha era, are more than just stone‑filled pits; they are testaments to ingenious engineering, community life and the art of carving water‑saving architecture into the earth. Yet, decades of neglect, encroachment and unchecked urban sprawl have left many of them crumbling.

“We cannot let these silent witnesses to our past disappear,” said the state's heritage minister during the launch. “The plan we’re rolling out is holistic – it starts with a scientific survey, moves through meticulous restoration, and ends with community‑led management.”

The first phase involves a detailed mapping exercise, employing drones, ground‑penetrating radar and archival research to catalogue every known stepwell across Maharashtra. The data will be compiled into an open‑access digital atlas, allowing scholars and tourists alike to locate and learn about each baoli.

Once documented, the next step is restoration. The government has earmarked ₹120 crore (about $1.5 billion) for structural stabilization, stone cleaning, and the installation of safety measures. Experts from the Archaeological Survey of India, along with local artisans skilled in traditional lime‑mortars, will lead the work.

But money and tech are only part of the story. The plan also stresses “living heritage” – encouraging nearby villages to adopt the stepwells, organize cultural festivals, and even use them for rainwater harvesting where feasible. A small grant scheme will support community‑run visitor centres, turning neglected pits into modest eco‑tourism spots.

Critics, however, warn that bureaucracy could stall progress. To counter that, the state has set up a dedicated task‑force reporting directly to the chief minister’s office, with quarterly public dashboards tracking milestones.

Tourism officials are optimistic. “Preserving these stepwells isn’t just about stone; it’s about storytelling,” said the state’s tourism secretary. “When travelers see a beautifully lit baoli, hear the echo of water droplets, they connect with a slice of Indian ingenuity that many don’t even know exists.”

As the programme rolls out over the coming year, Maharashtra hopes to not only halt the decay of its historic stepwells but to breathe new life into them – turning forgotten wells into vibrant, educational and sustainable landmarks for generations to come.