The excavation work at the Laxmanganj stepwell in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has entered its eighth day, continuing under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The excavation process is being carried out with manual tools to ensure that the structure remains intact and free from damage. The decision to use manual methods follows concerns that the earlier use of machinery, specifically a JCB, could negatively impact nearby buildings.
As the excavation progresses, layer by layer, the structure of the stepwell is gradually becoming more visible.
The ongoing work is being supervised by Executive Officer of the Municipal Corporation Chandausi, KK Sonkar, who explained that efforts have been made to minimise the risk of damage to surrounding houses.
Speaking to the media, Sonkar noted the importance of protecting the area while continuing the excavation, which is being carried out by 40-50 labourers working in two shifts.
The stepwell excavation in Laxmanganj is part of a broader effort to preserve and restore the region's historical and religious landmarks. On the same day, a construction project for a new police outpost near the Jama Masjid in Sambhal also began.
This is part of the ongoing efforts to bolster security in the region, especially in the wake of recent violence that resulted in casualties. To maintain security at the site, Rapid Action Force (RAF) jawans have been deployed.
In addition to this, District Magistrate Dr Rajinder Pensiya provided an update on efforts to enhance security in Sambhal. He explained that a series of measures are being taken, including the reopening of wells and the installation of CCTV cameras in various locations.
Specifically, 19 wells and 68 sacred places, which are collectively known as Dev Tirtha, are being revitalised as part of a water conservation effort, with encroachments being removed.
The restoration of these wells and sacred sites has been a priority for the local administration, and on Wednesday, a team from the ASI and the local government visited several historical locations.
Among these were the Ferozpur Fort, a protected ASI monument, and the stepwells and Chor Kuan, which are key historical sites.
District Magistrate Pensiya, who was part of the team, spoke about the significance of these locations and the ongoing efforts to reconnect the local community with their religious traditions.
One of the key sites visited was a well at the Neemsar pilgrimage site, which is notable for being the only one with water remaining in it.
This initiative comes after a rediscovery of a temple during an anti-encroachment drive led by the district police and local administration.
On December 14, the Shiv-Hanuman temple, which had been closed since 1978, was reopened to the public on December 22. During the same period, a historic well was uncovered in the Ladam Sarai area, further contributing to the preservation of the region's heritage.
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