Bansilalpet Stepwell

Bansilalpet Stepwell (also known as Nagannakunta or Naganah Kunta) is a historic six-level stepwell in Bansilalpet, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana. It is believed to date to the 17th century, although its exact construction date has not been established. An 1854 map records the name Naganah Kunta. After decades of neglect, the stepwell was restored through a project supported by the Telangana government and The Rainwater Project. More than 2,000 tonnes of accumulated debris were removed during the restoration, and the restored stepwell was inaugurated on 5 December 2022 by Municipal Administration Minister K. T. Rama Rao. The project received international recognition through the Big 5 Construction Impact Award 2022. With a reported water-holding capacity of 22 lakh litres, the stepwell demonstrates the heritage and water-conservation potential of traditional urban water infrastructure.

Historical Origins: The precise construction date of Bansilalpet Stepwell is not established. It is commonly attributed to the 17th century, but this should be treated as a historical attribution rather than a securely documented building date. The name Naganah Kunta appears in accounts referring to an 1854 map of Secunderabad. The map provides evidence for the historical name; it does not independently establish the structure's construction date.

Water and Religious Traditions: Historical accounts associate the well with the water needs of the surrounding locality and nearby religious sites, including the Nalla Pochamma and Yerra Pochamma temples. It has also been described as a former water source associated with Gandhi Hospital. These are historical associations and should not be interpreted as evidence of present-day hospital supply or potable-water availability.

Bansilalpet Model Village (1933): Historical accounts associate Seth Bansilal with the development of a model village around the stepwell in 1933. The locality is reported to have taken its present name from this benefactor. Accounts also describe a visit by British Viceroy Lord Linlithgow to the model village during a visit to Hyderabad in January 1938. These details should be attributed to historical reporting unless supported by original archival records.

Decades of Neglect: The stepwell eventually fell into disuse and became a dumping ground. By the time restoration began, it was reportedly buried beneath more than 2,000 tonnes of accumulated waste, including building debris and discarded materials. The scale of the accumulation obscured much of the historic structure.

The restoration was associated with architect Kalpana Ramesh, founder of The Rainwater Project, working with support from the Telangana government and senior official Arvind Kumar. The project brought together heritage conservation, debris removal and water-management objectives.

Major Restoration Activities:

• Debris Removal: More than 2,000 tonnes of accumulated waste were reportedly removed to uncover the historic structure.
• Structural Conservation: Restoration work addressed damaged masonry and structural elements. Historic fabric should be distinguished from rebuilt or repaired sections when interpreting the site.
• Water Management: The project incorporated rainwater-management measures intended to collect water and support groundwater recharge.
• Precinct Improvements: The surrounding area was improved as part of the heritage-restoration project.
• Community and Government Coordination: The restoration involved cooperation between conservation advocates and government agencies.

The restored stepwell was inaugurated on 5 December 2022. Frequently repeated figures for total expenditure, the exact number of workers and the precise number of working days should be retained only when supported by a project report or an attributable published source.

Six-Level Design: Bansilalpet Stepwell is known for its six-level arrangement. Its stepped access and masonry construction illustrate how traditional urban infrastructure combined access to water with durable construction. The restoration revealed architectural elements that had been obscured by accumulated debris.

Reported Water-Holding Capacity: The restored stepwell is reported to have a capacity of 22 lakh litres (2.2 million litres). This is a reported storage-capacity figure, not a measurement of the amount of water currently present.

Rainwater Harvesting and Groundwater Recharge: Water-management features associated with the restoration are intended to channel rainwater and support recharge. Actual performance depends on rainfall, site conditions, maintenance and the operation of the drainage and recharge systems.

Depth Measurements: Published accounts contain differing depth figures. Claims that the original structure was exactly 60 feet deep or that the restored structure reaches exactly 50 feet should not be presented as definitive measurements without an authoritative architectural or engineering record. Current water depth also varies and requires dated measurement.

Historic Architectural Features: Accounts of the site describe masonry structures, a surrounding boundary and carved religious imagery. Interpretations linking its design to a particular dynasty or construction period should be treated cautiously unless supported by architectural documentation or inscriptions.

The restored precinct combines the historic stepwell with public-facing heritage facilities. Reports describe galleries documenting the restoration and an amphitheatre intended for community and cultural activities. Facility availability, operating arrangements and visitor restrictions may change and should be confirmed with the responsible authorities before a visit.

Big 5 Construction Impact Award 2022: The Bansilalpet Stepwell restoration received international recognition in Dubai through the Big 5 Construction Impact Awards. Project reporting identifies the recognition as “Sustainability Initiative of the Year 2022.” The award recognised the project's sustainability and revitalisation objectives. For formal publication, the exact category wording should follow the original award announcement.

Restoring traditional water structures can contribute to urban water management when combined with effective rainwater collection, functioning recharge systems and ongoing maintenance. Bansilalpet Stepwell is an example of how heritage conservation can be linked to these objectives.

Claims that groundwater levels across Hyderabad rose by six to seven metres between 2021 and 2023 should not be attributed to this individual stepwell. Such a regional change would require a clearly identified groundwater-monitoring report and consideration of rainfall, lakes, drainage improvements and other recharge projects.

Similarly, announcements concerning the restoration of additional stepwells should be accompanied by the relevant government announcement and date if presented as a confirmed programme.

Visitor Information:

• Check opening hours: Confirm the current schedule before setting out.
• Confirm entry fees: Previously reported charges may have changed.
• Check access restrictions: Not every level of a historic stepwell is necessarily open to visitors.
• Respect the heritage structure: Do not climb barriers, enter restricted areas or disturb historic masonry.
• Water quality: Do not assume that water in the stepwell is potable or suitable for drinking.
• Photography: Follow site rules and any restrictions imposed by the management.
• Transport: Check current metro and bus routes and local parking arrangements.
• Nearby attractions: Indira Park, Snow World and Hussain Sagar can be considered as additional stops in a Hyderabad itinerary.

Planning a Visit: The stepwell offers an opportunity to explore traditional water infrastructure and a recent heritage-restoration project. Check current visitor arrangements before travelling, particularly if you intend to visit the galleries or attend an event at the precinct.

Heritage Significance: Bansilalpet Stepwell is an example of traditional urban water infrastructure brought back into view through a major restoration project. Its six-level design, reported 22-lakh-litre capacity and conservation history make it relevant to the study of Hyderabad's built heritage, rainwater management and the reuse of historic public spaces.

Locate Bansilalpet Stepwell on Google Maps