GUJRAT: The archaeology department has restored the centuries-old Baoli (stepwell) in Kharian city.

The project to restore the site had been launched by the Punjab government on the demand of Kharian city’s civil society at a cost of Rs10 million in the last fiscal year 2020-21.

Gujranwala Commissioner Ehsan Bhutta on Tuesday inspected the historical site where Gujrat Deputy Commissioner Dr Khurram Shahzad and assistant director archeology department Imran Zahid briefed him on the project. It was told that the excavation of the site had been done manually to avoid any damage to the original architecture.

The commissioner directed the administration and the archaeology department to take measures for proper care of the historical site that, he said, could become a source of attracting tourism in the area whereas the site should be protected from the illegal encroachments in future.

The site stepwell was developed on two kanal and 14 marla land in Kharian city in the era of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and its steps were carved out of stone. It was divided into chambers right from the start of underground water to keep the water cool in summer.

Prior to the launch of the restoration project, the place had been illegally encroached upon by some people. The local administration got it vacated more than two years ago and the provincial government was requested to allocate funds for it.

Baoli is a Persian term which means a well with steps leading to the bottom to fetch water. Such wells were developed centuries ago along the main routes of army convoys and passengers on elephants, horses and other animals. It used to be a source of water consumption at a time when there was no means to pump it up to the ground level.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2022