Years of neglect left an old stone well in Bengaluru clogged with debris and plastic. Thanks to dedicated local residents and support from SayTrees Environmental Trust, the well was restored and now holds over 43,000 litres of water, serving as a sustainable neighborhood water source.
- Community effort cleared decades of waste and debris
- Well now stores 43,000 litres and supplies daily water
- Restoration helps recharge groundwater and reduce tanker reliance
What happened
In Sampangiram Nagar, Bengaluru, an old stone well that had been ignored and filled with plastic waste, silt, and broken concrete underwent a major restoration in 2022. Years of neglect led to weeds breaking through cracked walls and residents viewing it as useless. The cleanup required pumping out old water and manual and mechanical removal of waste from nearly 40 feet deep.
This restoration was made possible through the efforts of the SayTrees Environmental Trust, supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. After clearing the well of sludge and debris, the extracted waste was dried and removed by tractor, bringing the well back to life as a functioning water source for the community.
Why it feels good
Local residents have embraced the renewed well as a reliable water source, appreciating its steady supply, especially when municipal water delivery is inconsistent. Shrinivas, a long-time resident and shop owner, highlighted the significant positive impact the restoration has had on daily life in the neighborhood.
The project has also fostered community pride and collaboration, with residents maintaining the well together with civic authorities. It demonstrates how collective action can reclaim neglected resources, revitalize local infrastructure, and promote sustainable water practices.
What to enjoy or watch next
The restored well currently stores over 43,000 litres of water and supplies around 1,000 litres daily to residents via a public tap. This ongoing use reduces dependence on tanker water, encouraging mindful consumption and reconnecting the community to groundwater sources.
Keeping an eye on similar projects in urban areas can inspire further community-driven environmental initiatives. As more neighborhoods recognize the value of restoring local water bodies, this approach could become a model for sustainable urban water management, helping cities better cope with water scarcity and drought conditions.