Excavation work at the ancient Baori in Sambhal's Chandausi area is currently ongoing, with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from Meerut actively overseeing the project.
The team, led by Vinod Singh Rawat, the Circle In-Charge of ASI Meerut, conducted a thorough inspection of the site on Saturday.
Rawat highlighted that several similar Baoris are found across western Uttar Pradesh, each sharing a consistent architectural structure. Discussions are being held with the District Magistrate to ensure the success and preservation of the project.
The excavation work, which has been underway for eight days at the Laxmanganj stepwell, has also caught attention for its careful approach. In an effort to prevent damage to surrounding structures, the excavation is now being conducted manually.
According to KK Sonkar, the Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation of Chandausi, the decision to switch from mechanical tools like JCBs to manual digging was made after concerns arose regarding the impact on nearby homes.
Sonkar noted that, despite the gradual progress of the excavation, the historical significance of the site is becoming more apparent day by day.
Priyanka Singh, the Excavation In-Charge, reported that around 40 to 50 labourers are working tirelessly in two shifts each day, ensuring the excavation process continues without delay. This sustained effort is crucial as the team uncovers more of the Baori’s structure and its historical value.
Alongside these efforts, security measures in the region are being bolstered. A new police outpost is under construction near the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, a step taken after a recent surge of violence in the area.
To ensure safety during the construction, RAF jawans have been deployed around the site. This new security infrastructure is designed to prevent further unrest and provide stability to the local community, especially following the tragic incidents.
The District Magistrate, Dr Rajinder Pensiya, spoke of the efforts to improve security across Sambhal. As part of these efforts, the district is working to reopen 19 wells and 68 sacred sites, which are collectively known as Dev Tirtha.
Many of these wells, vital sources of water, have been obstructed by encroachments over the years. With the removal of these encroachments, the aim is to restore these wells as key resources for water conservation.
Furthermore, on Wednesday, an ASI team, along with local administrative officials, visited several historic sites in Sambhal to reconnect the community with their religious and cultural heritage.
These sites include the Ferozpur Fort, various stepwells, and the Chor Kuan, all of which hold significant historical and cultural importance. As part of the restoration process, efforts are being made to ensure that these sites are preserved for future generations.
In a related development, the recent rediscovery of a Shiv-Hanuman temple in Sambhal, which had been closed since 1978, highlights the growing focus on restoring historical landmarks.
The reopening of the temple on December 22 has been celebrated as a major achievement in reconnecting the local community with its spiritual roots.
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