Agrasen ki Baoli, a centuries-old stepwell on Hailey Road near Kasturba Gandhi Marg in New Delhi, has left an enduring mark on the city’s historical and cultural landscape. The baoli, stepped in nostalgia and rooted in local folklore, provides an opening to a bygone period. The stepwell is supposed to have been curated by King Agrasen, a legendary ruler from the Mahabharata period, and then rebuilt by the Agarwal community in the 14th century. Its architectural glory and historical significance allure millions of students and tourists drawn to its appeal and proximity to Connaught Place, a thriving business district. But a sudden mysterious rise in water levels at Delhi’s Agrasen ki Baoli has left people in confusion.

An Unexpected Challenge: Rising Water Levels

Despite its ageless attractiveness, a new and strange situation, a sudden rise in water levels at Delhi’s Agrasen ki Baoli, has turned up as an urgent concern. For decades, the water level in the stepwell stayed steady, allowing the arches and detailed stone constructions to be seen. However, in recent years, an unexpected rise in the water level has raised concerns among both local officials and archaeological experts. This growth has led to the submergence of the lower arches, instigating those in charge of the baoli’s maintenance to act quickly.

Mysterious Water Source: Ongoing Investigation

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has yet to determine the source of the rising water. According to an ASI official, water levels were pretty low seven to eight years ago, making the sudden spike in the last two to three years more surprising. The abrupt immersion of the baoli’s lowest levels strained the ASI to begin repair efforts ahead of planned. The official also stated that the ASI contacted the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to examine viable drain leaks near the baoli. However, the NDMC has told the ASI that no leaks have been discovered.

Given the exceptional conditions, the ASI has graded de-silting and draining the extra water in order to identify its source and maintain the baoli’s structural integrity. Restoration work will begin in two months, with a focus on preventing further damage to the submerged areas of the stepwell.

Another aspect of the project focuses on the bats inhabiting the mosque-like structure. “There are thousands of bats inside, causing damage to the structure and contaminating the water with their droppings. To address this, we plan to install nets over the arched openings to keep the bats out,” the official explained.

A senior ASI official added, “The project was also meant to include some repair work. The slab running along the top of the arches on all three walls is partially damaged. However, due to a lack of funds, we aim to address this issue next year.”

The ASI is unwavering in its commitment to maintaining the baoli’s historical value while addressing the root cause of the rise in water levels at Delhi’s Agrasen ki Baoli.

Despite the NDMC’s refusal to comment on the situation, the repair effort emphasises the need to preserve Agrasen ki Baoli not only as a landmark but also as an important part of Delhi’s cultural history.

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