Amid rapidly declining groundwater levels, erratic monsoons and rising urban water demand, Delhi has taken a major step towards reviving traditional water sources. In the historic locality of Mehrauli, restoration work is underway on decades-old wells to improve groundwater recharge and strengthen water availability in water-stressed areas.

The initiative began with the revival of a well located in the Sheetla Mata Mandir complex in Lado Sarai. After water was drawn from it for the first time in nearly 40 years, residents performed a Jal Aarti and offered prayers. Following this, wells at Siddhapeeth Maa Yogmaya Mandir, Radheshyam Mandir complex (Ward 7), Rupan Wala, Basti Wala, Gud Wala, and Baba Banda Singh Bahadur sites have also been successfully restored.

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Local MLA Gajendra Singh said that historically, Mehrauli’s water needs were met through a network of wells and baolis. However, due to rapid urbanisation and years of neglect, many of these sources dried up or were buried under debris. Given the area’s narrow lanes and hilly terrain, where supplying piped water and drilling borewells is difficult, restoring these traditional sources is seen as a sustainable solution.

Under the project, which started in February 2025, a Well Conservation Management Committee surveyed 50 old wells, of which 30 were found suitable for revival. In the first phase, the restoration of 10 wells was planned. Eight have already been revived, while work on two is nearing completion. Once this phase concludes in February, another 10 wells will be taken up for restoration, with work scheduled for completion by September 2026.

To address long-standing water shortages in Mehrauli’s congested neighbourhoods, motors will be installed in the revived wells and pipelines laid to supply water directly to homes. This is expected to benefit residents of Wards 3, 5, 6 and 7, many of whom have struggled for years with limited water access.

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The cost of restoring each well ranges between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. So far, approximately Rs 22-25 lakh has been spent on the restoration of the first 10 wells.

Officials believe the initiative will not only ease local water shortages but also contribute significantly to groundwater conservation, offering a model for other water-stressed urban areas.