The history of open wells dates back to the Harappan civilisation. Wells are perhaps man’s first efforts to access water. Before that he depended on natural rivers, springs and lakes. In India, over centuries, open wells have played a major role in conservation and optimum usage of water during times of water-shortage. Apart from their obvious practical value, some of them are crafted exquisitely enough to be called works of art. In fact, an open well in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, dated over 2,300 years ago, still has water. And beautiful, ancient open wells lined with brickwork exist in Dholavira, Gujarat, to this day.
Currently however aquifers are very rapidly depleting due to extensive groundwater extraction. Where does an Open Well fit in this context ?