Gadwal: BJP leaders, led by Mandal BJP President Gopalakrishna, visited the historic Bakkamma Bavi (Well) in Aija town. They stressed the urgent need to restore this ancient site, which has been neglected for years.
Former BJP Jogulamba Gadwal District President, Ramachandra Reddy, explained the historical importance of Bakkamma Bavi. He said the well was built during the rule of Nalla Somanadri (also known as Peddha Somabhupaludu), who ruled Gadwal Samsthan from 1668 to 1712. The well was named after Bakkamma, the woman who raised him. Originally, the structure included seven wells. Reddy also mentioned that Nalla Somanadri built a fort in Aija and the Ramalingeshwara Temple inside it. These details are recorded in the book Samagra Andhra Sahityam, Volume 2.
Currently, Bakkamma Bavi is in poor condition. Located on Thoomukunta Road in Aija, the site is overgrown with thorny bushes. The stone structures are falling apart, and the nearby ancient temple has been reduced to ruins.
The BJP leaders called on the government to protect and restore not just Bakkamma Bavi, but other historic places in the Jogulamba Gadwal district. They highlighted several important heritage sites that need attention, including:
– Nizam Konda Fort in the Krishna River
– Gadwal Mud Fort
– Pragatpur Mud Fort
– Stone Bastions in villages like Alampur, Rajoli, Gattu, Chinna Tandrapadu, and Dev Banda
They also suggested turning these sites into tourist spots to help preserve history and boost tourism in the region.
The BJP leaders requested the Telangana state government to take quick action. They specifically asked for the restoration of Bakkamma Bavi and the temple next to it. They also proposed building a park around the well to improve the area and attract visitors.
Many BJP leaders attended the event, including Kisan Morcha State Executive Member Bhim Sen Rao, Mandal BJP President Shashi Kumar, OBC District General Secretary Veerayya Achari, Pulikal Rajasekhar, Ramakrishna, Veeresh, T. Narsimha, B. Veeresh, Mahesh, Bheemudu, Bhaskar, Anji, K. Bheemanna, Gadige Rajasekhar, Nesha Raghu, Veeresh Achari, and Rama Achari.
The BJP has promised to continue pushing the government until restoration work begins. They want to ensure these historic sites remain a proud part of Telangana’s cultural heritage.
