HYDRAA Takes Up Restoration of 250-Year-Old Stepwell in Hyderabad

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has taken up the restoration of a historic stepwell in Shivaramapally, located beneath the Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake in Hyderabad’s Old City. Spread across nearly 1.50 acres, the ancient water structure is being revived with the objective of restoring its lost water-holding capacity and preserving the historic site for future generations.

The restoration project brings together heritage conservation, environmental improvement and public interest. Over the years, the stepwell had been severely neglected, with plastic waste, garbage, soil, silt and thick vegetation accumulating inside it. The buildup affected the structure’s ability to store water. As part of the ongoing restoration, these materials are being cleared to revive the water body and improve its capacity.

Officials said the works are expected to be completed within two to three months. Once the restoration is completed, steps will be taken to facilitate the flow of adequate water into the stepwell and restore its traditional role as a local water source.

HYDRAA said the project was taken up following directions from Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. On March 8, the Chief Minister inaugurated the development works at Bum-Rukn-ud-Daula Lake and made the restored lake area accessible to the public. During the programme, HYDRAA Commissioner A V Ranganath brought the historic stepwell located alongside the lake to the Chief Minister’s attention, leading to the decision to undertake its restoration.

The restoration is being carried out by Vimos Technocrats, which had also overseen the development works at the lake. Historical accounts indicate that the lake was constructed around 1770 during the reign of Nizam Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of Hyderabad. It is believed to have been named after Nawab Rukn-ud-Daula, who served as the Nizam’s Prime Minister.

The lake once covered nearly 100 acres, but its area gradually reduced due to encroachments. HYDRAA later cleared the encroachments and undertook measures to restore the water body.

Local historical accounts state that the stepwell’s water was believed to possess medicinal properties and was reportedly used by the Nizam rulers. It is said that water passing through medicinal plants, trees, bark and flowers in the lake underwent natural filtration before reaching the stepwell.

HYDRAA said the lake and stepwell together showcase Hyderabad’s traditional water conservation and natural filtration practices. Their restoration is expected to help residents, students and future generations learn about the city’s traditional water-management systems and heritage.