Volunteers begin reviving an abandoned stepwell at Mutga in Belagavi

Volunteers from Pyaas Foundation and other organizations are cleaning an abandoned well at Mutga near Belagavi. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Volunteers have started cleaning and rehabilitating the historic staircase at Mutga in Belagavi, Karnataka.

The staircase has a rectangular and circular cross-section, interconnected by a stone arch. Locals believe it was where women collected water for their households and soldiers brought their horses to drink.

The stone structure at Kanchveer Nagar in Mutga, about eight km from Belagavi on the Bagalkot highway, has been closed for decades. People stopped using it after several dry spells. The staircase is covered with thick vegetation, mud has caved in, and people have started throwing trash and debris into the area.

Community efforts and shramadan (volunteers) are expected to rejuvenate her. It is expected that it will not only preserve the heritage structure but also meet the drinking water needs of the residents of the nearby village.

The initiative was launched by members of the Pyaas Foundation and INTACH in collaboration with local residents. The project was included in the Belagavi Step wells Campaign launched by INTACH Belagavi Chapter in collaboration with Maharashtra Barav Moheem (Mahararashtra Step-wells Campaign).

Members of the NSS KLE unit also joined the voluntary efforts of the foundation. They cut down bushes, cleared debris and hauled away mud and rocks.

“The work is expected to be completed soon. The grade should be filled during the first rains,” said Madhav Prabhu, president of the foundation.

Published – 29 May 2026 10:00 AM IST