Hyderabad: The historic Nizam-era stepwell located in the Public Garden of Nampally is once again in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the well has fallen into a state of neglect due to the lack of attention from the responsible authorities. The condition has worsened to the point where the water has become black, contaminated by untreated sewage. This situation has alarmed morning walkers, who are now urging the State government to restore the well.
The well, situated near the Telangana Council of Legislative Building and the famous Jubilee Hall, was once a source of clean water and played a key role in maintaining the greenery of the surrounding garden. It was built during the Nizam era and held great historical significance. However, over time, the untreated sewage from an old pipeline connected to these buildings has polluted the well. The pipeline, which is over 100 years old, frequently overflows, causing damage not only to the structures but also to the well itself.
The pollution has turned the well into a stagnant pool of filth, leading to the death of 12 tortoises and 28 fish that once lived there. The bad smell from the well has made it uncomfortable for morning walkers and workers in the area. The historical importance and ecosystem of the well are now severely damaged.
Mohammed Abid Ali, an environmental activist and regular morning walker, expressed his frustration, saying that several requests were made to the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HDMA) to restore the well and the Public Garden, but none were addressed. He emphasized that the well is not only a part of Hyderabad’s heritage but also essential for the garden’s ecosystem. “Reviving this well is about more than just preserving history; it’s about creating a peaceful space where nature and culture come together for the benefit of locals and tourists,” he added.
Another morning walker, K Vidhyadhar, also voiced his concerns. He explained that they have repeatedly raised this issue with the concerned department but have been ignored. He warned that if the State government does not take immediate action to fix the sewage lines, the frequent overflows will continue to cause problems for the garden’s visitors, especially those who come for their morning walks.
