PNS|Hyderabad
Animal Husbandry Minister T Srinivas Yadav has said that the revamped ancient step-well in Bansilalpet would be inaugurated by November-end.
The Minister on Friday visited the restored step-well in Bansilalpet in his Sananth Nagar Assembly constituency along with Special Chief Secretary to the Municipal Administration Department Aravind Kumar and inspected the surroundings of the well. He issued several instructions to the officials.
Kalpana belonging to an NGO called SAHE explained the progress of works to revive the 18th century step-well. The minister remarked that the TRS government will strive for safeguarding the historical structures like step-well which serve as testimony to the history.
On account of special initiative of municipal administration minister KTR, restoration of such wells in Bansilalpet, Bapughat, Gacchi Bowli, Sitaram Bagh, Gudi Malkapur, Sivambagh, out of 44 such wells in the city, has been taken up, he said.
Quoting sources from history, he said that the step-well was built during Nizam period to quench the thirst of the people of the area and it was called as Naganna Kunta.
As the step-well was neglected for long, it became a dumping ground for garbage. In fact, 500 tonnes of garbage was cleared from the well up to a depth of 57 feet, he said. After clearing the garbage, the well has been recharged with fresh water.
To develop the step-well region as a historic spot, the HMDA and GHMC entered into agreement with SAHE, a civil society organisation, and implementing several development initiatives in the area, he said.
A small garden with seating facility to conduct small functions and an amphitheatre have been provided in the region. Moreover, VDCC roads were laid in the area and an underground power supply cable has been laid. A special parking place is going to be developed for the benefit of the parking of vehicles of visitors to the place.
Similarly, facilities to conduct cultural programmes would be provided here. The wonderful structures are being developed only with the people’s cooperation, he said. CCTV cameras will be provided in the area. The region will thrive as a wonderful tourist place in the days to come, he said.
Corporator Hemalata, GHMC zonal commissioner Srinivas Reddy, deputy commissioner Mukunda Reddy, waterworks GM Ramana Reddy and others were present on the occasion.
