Archaeologists discover blocked passage in 800-yr-old well

Residents in the capital's Nizamuddin area are only too aware of the deep well in their midst, but were amazed when the 800-year-old 'Baoli' with seven streams was found to be connected with a blocked passage.

The Baoli with seven live streams and the blocked passage came to light when archaeologists were carrying out conservation work at the well near the Nizamuddin dargah in South Delhi area.

Archaeologists said that the blocked passage may have been used by the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya to access the baoli from the near-by mosque. He had constructed the well in 1321-22.

The water of the well, which is the only baoli in Delhi with underground springs, is considered holy by pilgrims, Ratish Nanda, Project Director of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, said.

The conservation works at the baoli were carried out as part of 'Humayun's Tomb -- Sunde Nursery -- Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti Urban renewal' project by the Archaeological Survey of India, Aga Khan Trust for Culture in partnership with CPWD and MCD.

The baoli collapsed in July 2008 and repairs were started after the water was drained out through generators.

"A detailed laser scan of the baoli was carried out as well as an exhaustive ground penetrating radar survey -- both of these were used in India for conservation for the first time," Nanda said.

For the 18 families occupying the terrace of the baoli, alternate plots are being provided by MCD.

"Further as part of the rehabilitation process, we would be working with these affected families and local NGOs to ensure smooth transition to a new area and an improvement of living standards for these families. The families have consented to be relocated," Nanda said.

The project, which has conservation, environmental development and socio-economic development objectives, is being carried out at a cost of Rs one crore, out of which more than Rs 30 lakh has already been spent.

Nanda said a dwelling unit over the collapsed portion needed to be dismantled and AKTC built an alternate unit of similar size.

The passage over the collapsed portion is used by over 1,000 people everyday and had to be temporarily propped up and closed for three weeks, he added.

Repair work, strengthening masonry by pointing with lime mortar is expected to be completed by August 2009.

A filtration system will also be put in place to ensure water is cleaned of impurities.