How have water-conservation projects attempted to restore stepwells in Delhi and Gujarat?

In response to the growing urgency for water conservation, efforts have been initiated in Delhi and Gujarat to restore stepwells—also known as baolis or vavs—to their original function as water collection and storage systems.12

These restoration projects primarily focus on de-silting and reactivating the structures, which had largely fallen into disrepair due to neglect, the introduction of modern water infrastructure, and the depletion of groundwater from unregulated pumping. By clearing away accumulated garbage and debris, conservationists aim to enable these historic sites to once again capture and store water, addressing contemporary water scarcity issues.1

While many stepwells were historically destroyed or repurposed after being deemed unhygienic during the British colonial period, the current movement seeks to preserve these complex engineering feats not only as cultural heritage but as viable, sustainable solutions for water management.1