A baoli or step-well consists of two parts: a vertical shaft from which water is drawn and the surrounding inclined subterranean passageways, chambers and steps which provide access to the well. The galleries and chambers surrounding these wells were often carved profusely with elaborate detail, and became cool, quiet retreats during the hot summers. The galleries and chambers in some of the baolis went eight levels below the ground level and provided the much needed relief from the north Indian summers.

Though the baolis lie in ruins, many can be effectively revived and used, by harvesting ground water. There are plans to recharge 26 baolis and six ponds in and around Delhi. If effectively revived, these baolis will solve the city's water shortage.

The oldest existing baoli of Delhi is Anangtal near Qutab Minar, built in the tenth century, during the time of the Rajput Tomar dynasty, who ruled Delhi at the time. This baoli was used to collect and store rainwater – a millennium later water management experts are planning to use it again for the same purpose.

Iltutmish has to his credit the construction of several baolis, including the Gandhak-ki-baoli near Qutub Minar---so called because of the smell of sulphur in water---and Hauz-i-Shamsi on the southern outskirts of Delhi. Baoli Hauzi-i-Shamsi was built by Iltutmish in 1230 AD for the people of Mehrauli [now a part of Delhi]. Though the structure still exists, the water inside is polluted and it no longer serves the purpose for which it was built. Its artificial reservoir, created to store and harvest ground water is no longer in use and the bed has dried up.

Hauz-i-Alai, a large reservoir constructed by Ala-ud-din Khilji (1296-1316 AD) went dry soon after his death in 1316. It was rebuilt by Feroz Shah Tughlaq 50 years later.

The Tughlaqabad Fort Jheel built by Sultan Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq in 1325 AD also remains dry throughout the season.

Other baolis and tanks, which are now in ruins, include the Hauz Khas baoli [Ala-ud-Din Khilji], Red Fort moat [Shah Jahan], Rajon Ki Bain [Sikander Lodhi], Feroz Shah Kotla Baoli [Feroz Shah Tughlaq] and the Ugrasen Baoli [Raja Ugrasen].

In 1998 the Indian National Trust for Arts and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conducted an elaborate study on the benefits of reviving these baolis. The report titled 'Blue Print for Water Augmentation in Delhi' suggested several steps for harvesting ground water to the Delhi government. According to Suresh Rohilla of INTACH, " Because of the steep depletion in the level of ground water, we must start making use of traditional methods of harvesting rain water inside these baolis."

The stored water (whose volume has been estimated at 8.87 million cubic meters) can be used either from the surface or can be extracted from the ground while these step wells and ponds simultaneously serve to recharge underground aquifers.

The study also draws comparison between building new dams and maintaining the baolis. It says it is far cheaper to keep the baolis recharged than to go in for the high cost and environmentally controversial dam projects.

The INTACH study also suggests an increase in the storage capacity of ancient ponds by desilting and widening them. For years these ponds have been used as dumping grounds. The water quality can be improved by replicating the principles of wetlands, by the systematic induction of aquatic plants and fish---a very inexpensive treatment.

It would require a mere Rs 2 crores to clean,  and channel rain water in the 26 baolis of Delhi; whereas it would cost Rs. 72 crores to recharge the lakes and make the water fit for human consumption.

Step wells such as Rajon Ki Bain in Mehrauli, Ugrasen Ki Baoli in Connaught Place and Feroz Shah Kotla Fort Baoli still have traces of water in them, though it is unfit for consumption.

These step wells were once the lifeline of settlements. They not only provided water but also served as points and centres of community activity, places where people gathered to cool off and socialise. With the advent of modern techniques of irrigation and water supply, the time-tested baolis became neglected and in the process an important architectural and technological heritage was lost.

Water has played an important role in the architectural heritage of India from the earliest times. One of the characteristic features of the early Harappan towns (3000 BC) was the presence of a sophisticated system of drains, wells and tanks. The practice of making wells into an art form was begun by the Hindus and it developed further under Muslim rule.

The town planners today may have to revert to this heritage and recharge these man-made reservoirs of precious water.

 __________________