On Sunday (December 22, 2024), excavation work is underway at an old baori at Chandausi in Sambhal. | Photo Credit: ANI
On Monday (23 December 2024) morning, the municipal corporation deployed workers to continue the underground excavation work in Lakshmanganj after the JCB machine could not move forward.
Excavations began with the help of local laborers, who undertook the task of locating the historic step well. The JCB had been in operation for two days, but as the machinery could not move forward, the municipality decided to go with arms.
Meanwhile, visuals from Chandausi, Sambhal show excavation work underway at an ancient stepwell, which was discovered by a team of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Sunday (December 22, 2024).
This was discovered after the re-opening of the Shiva-Hanuman temple in the district, which has been closed for 46 years. Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia informed that a ‘Baoli’ (stepwell) spread over an area of 400 square meters was found.
He said, “The structure with about four rooms has floors made of marble and bricks. The second and third floors are made of marble and the upper floor is made of bricks.” He added, ‘This bowl is said to have been built during the grandfather of the king of Bilari.’ The construction work started after Saturday’s public meeting. Mr. Pensia said, “The structure is completely covered with soil, the municipal team is working to remove the top soil, currently only 210 square meters are open, the rest is occupied, we will take action to remove the encroachment.”
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He also said that the steps are more than 150 years old. Krishna Kumar Sonkar, executive officer of the municipality said, “As soon as we came to know that there is a bauli here, we started the excavation work. We will continue the work after getting more information about it.” In another development, the ASI team also surveyed the Kalki Vishnu temple in Sambhal, inspecting five temples and 19 wells in the area. DM Pensia said the inspection lasted for 8-10 hours and covered around 24 areas. “The ASI will submit its report to us…a total of 24 areas were surveyed,” the district magistrate added.
published – December 23, 2024 at 04:53 PM IST