On the auspicious occasion of Gudhi Padwa 2026, the Belagavi Stepwells Campaign has been launched to identify, document, and promote conservation of historic stepwells across Belagavi District. INTACH Belagavi chapter joins this campaign started by Mumbai based Rohan Kale- having already mapped over 2000+ wells mapped, hundreds restored and sites documented.
The initiative aims to focus on mapping stepwells, photographic and drone documentation, historical and architectural studies, and collaboration with architecture colleges.
In the days to come, the campaign will also promote community awareness, Deepotsav celebrations at stepwells, and a Stepwells Photo Exhibition to highlight their heritage value.
The campaign will be undertaken by a passionate group of Heritage Enthusiasts including Rohan Kale (Stepwell Explorer) along with members of INTACH Belagavi Chapter, Durgveer Prathishthan, Heritage Explorers, architects, researchers, and local volunteers, aiming to reconnect people with their water heritage and inspire conservation of historic stepwells.
What is a stepwell
A stepwell, known as baoli, Barav or vav in India, is an ancient, structurally complex well designed to access groundwater via descending flights of steps. Many times it can be elongated in shape. Primarily built in arid regions to manage seasonal water fluctuations, they served as crucial community, social, and religious spaces while enabling water access
How can you contribute
If you know about any stepwells in and around Belagavi district, you can get in touch with the INTACH Belagavi team on 7760251949 You can also share photos, drone footage and details about the stepwells with the team. Just drop a message on the Facebook page and they will get in touch with you. One may also join the restoration work actively in the cleaning and restoring phase.