Acting on concerns highlighted in The Hitavada on April 29 in the report titled “300-year-old Bhonsle era well near Nagpur Airport falls into neglect, heritage at risk”, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) on Sunday conducted a joint inspection of the historic well near Sonegaon-Amrai Road adjoining Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Shivani Dani-Wakhare, Chairperson, NMC Standing Committee; corporators Amol Shyamkule and Ishwar Dhengale; Dhananjay Jadhav, Assistant Commissioner, Laxminagar Zone; and T K Barahate, Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, along with a fire department team, visited the site to assess the condition of the nearly 300-year-old well believed to have been constructed during the reign of Raja Raghuji Bhonsle. During the visit, Wakhare directed officials to begin restoration and conservation measures at the earliest.

 

Once part of a planned traditional water management system, the well is now filled with plastic waste, algae, liquor bottles and debris, while parts of its stone structure have also deteriorated over time. The site also houses an ancient Hanuman temple, Shri Krishna temple and a green belt frequented by morning and evening walkers. Youngsters and families often visit the area for recreation, picnics and small celebrations. However, littering after such gatherings has worsened the condition of the well and surrounding premises. Shivani Dani and Sachin Dravekar, former journalist, said revival of the well could help irrigate greenery around Amrai and airport gardens while also serving as an emergency water source. The issue was actively pursued by local residents and walkers. Representatives of Telecom Nagar Mahila Mandal, Pratap Nagar News Group, Nagpur My Love, Green Nagpur Group and Janshakti Manch were present.