Heritage step wells restoration
Heritage step wells restoration
GBS believes that water is life — and that the ancient wisdom of those who came before us holds the answers to many of today’s challenges. By reviving forgotten step wells and traditional water harvesting structures across Rajasthan, GBS is not just solving the immediate problem of safe drinking water for village communities — it is breathing life back into a cultural heritage that has sustained civilisations for thousands of years.
Across Rajasthan, hundreds of ancient step wells — known as baolis — had fallen silent over the decades, their waters dried up and their stones forgotten under layers of neglect. GBS stepped in to change that. Working closely with village communities, GBS has been carefully restoring these magnificent structures — clearing debris, repairing stonework, and reviving the water flow — so that they can once again serve the communities that surround them. In 2013–14 alone, GBS restored seven traditional step wells and tens of dried old wells — a remarkable achievement that drew national and international attention to the cause of heritage water conservation.
- Existence of forest, wild animals and birds 20–50 years before in the area
- Demographic statistics of that historical period
- Sources of livelihood at that time
- Cultivation and animal husbandry practices
- Process of deforestation over decades
- Endangered species of animals and plants
- Safe drinking water restored to village communities
- Traditional rainwater harvesting systems revived
- Reduced dependence on distant water sources
- Local ownership and pride in heritage structures
- Sustainable water availability during dry seasons
- Ancient step well architecture preserved
- Thousands of years of water heritage resuscitated
- Cultural identity of communities strengthened
- Recognised in two international academic journals
- Model for heritage-led water conservation in India
GBS's step well restoration work caught the attention of international researchers and heritage bodies, resulting in publication in two prestigious international journals.
- Existence of forest, wild animals and birds 20–50 years before in the area
- Demographic statistics of that historical period
- Sources of livelihood at that time
- Cultivation and animal husbandry practices
- Process of deforestation over decades
- Endangered species of animals and plants
