The baolis and wells that were once used by over 50,000 people in the city are in ruins because of lack of maintenance. The importance of these water sources is felt since the water level in the water bodies of Bhopal have started falling with the advent of summer.Bhopal had over 72 such Baolis and wells situated in different parts of the city. However, due to apathy from all quarters these baolis either are facing encroachments or rendered useless.
Only 10 Baolis and few wells are still alive and in use in old Bhopal areas. Not only this, the water of the baolis which have survived not fit for use as the water has turned stale. Historian SM Hussain said that the baolis were also located inside Ginnorgarh and Raisen forts as well in that era of queen Kamlapati. Baolis were also located in Islam Nagar, Nabibagh, Aishbagh, Badebagh, Arif Nagar, Quazi camp, Bagh Umrao Dulah among others, he added.
These Baolis have been rendered useless now and only few are still alive. Even the ones alive are not in use for the issues like hygiene or sanitation as the authorities concerned hardly pay attention to it, he said.Stating an instance he said that a baolis that lies inside the Bada Bagh graveyard, is filled with flith and the water there has started rotting. The local watchman said that the water is filthy and after rains, the whole Baoli will be cleaned as it has enough of waste inside.
The few bawadis that are still in use are at Raraji Ka Kuan, Bafna colony Baodi, Bagh Farhat Afza, Sarai Ka Kuan and there are few wells in Mangalwara area. Ex-deputy city engineer Shafique Khan said that the administration has failed to revive the baolis else a large population would have been benefitted with it.
He further says that the Baodis needs to be used frequently else the water inside turns starts to rot like that of Bada bagh and other Baodis that are lying useless. He says that the administartion should rather use the water of these baolis for washing of roads, railway stations, bus stands and other areas.
