Why did British authorities destroy or fill in many stepwells during colonial rule?

During the period of British rule in India (1858–1947), authorities destroyed, barricaded, or filled in many stepwells because they were deemed unhygienic breeding grounds for disease and parasites.1

As these structures fell into disuse due to the introduction of modern water infrastructure—such as village taps, plumbing, and water tanks—they were often neglected by local communities. This lack of maintenance, combined with the colonial administration's concerns regarding public health, led to the widespread destruction or abandonment of these historic water sources.1