Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], February 16: Within the historic campus of Osmania University in Hyderabad stands a once-forgotten treasure of the past — the Mah Laqa Bai Stepwell — now restored to its former grandeur after decades of neglect. Once filled with debris and lost to the dust of time, this 18th-century structure has been carefully conserved and ecologically revitalized into a vibrant heritage destination.
At the center of this transformation is Hari Chandana, whose administrative philosophy consistently integrates sustainability, culture, and community participation. The revival of this stepwell is not an isolated accomplishment, but part of a sustained heritage conservation movement across Telangana led under her stewardship. Her administrative journey has repeatedly transformed neglected sites into thriving public assets.
This success was made possible through the technical expertise and dedication of key partners, including The Rainwater Project (SAHE) led by Kalpana Ramesh, architectural expertise from Kshetra Consultants led by Kavita Daryani Rao, and the institutional support of Osmania University Administration, HMDA, and the Telangana Heritage Department.
Urban Heritage: The GHMC Years
Before entering district administration, Hari Chandana served as Zonal Commissioner at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), where sustainability and heritage conservation became central to daily governance.
One of the most symbolic restoration efforts during this period was the revival of the 17th-century Bansilalpet Stepwell in the old quarters of Hyderabad, which had remained buried under garbage and neglect for decades. The restoration transformed a debris-filled pit into a captivating heritage landmark — reopening ancient stone steps, restoring traditional architectural features, and reintroducing the stepwell into public life as a cultural asset.
This initiative reflected broader institutional reforms within GHMC:
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Reclaiming historic public spaces
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Reviving traditional water structures
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Integrating sustainability into urban development
This urban heritage awakening later laid the groundwork for a wider stepwell revival movement in Narayanpet district.
District-Level Heritage Revival in Narayanpet
Upon assuming charge as Collector of Narayanpet, her vision took full shape in a district rich with historic stepwells that had long suffered neglect.
Baram Baoli — Where Revival Began
One of the earliest major successes was the restoration of Baram Baoli, a centuries-old stepwell that had been buried under waste and abandonment. Under her leadership:
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Debris was removed
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The original stone structure was conserved
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Community ownership was restored
The results were remarkable — festivals returned, families gathered once again, and the stepwell reclaimed its role as both a water source and a social hub. This was not merely restoration; it was a rebirth of public life.
Rediscovering a Forgotten Network of Ancient Stepwells
The revival of Baram Baoli sparked a broader initiative. Hari Chandana initiated the documentation and phased restoration of dozens of ancient stepwells across Narayanpet district — many of which had remained forgotten for generations. Supported by the local communities of Narayanpet and the “Baoli Warriors,” these efforts focused on:
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Traditional conservation techniques
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Groundwater recharge
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Community stewardship
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Long-term sustainability
Gradually, the district reconnected with its forgotten water heritage. Structures once built centuries ago to combat drought are today strengthening climate resilience.
Local Leadership Aligned with Global Heritage Values
The importance of stepwells has been globally recognized by UNESCO, which considers traditional water systems masterpieces of climate-responsive engineering and cultural architecture. In India, heritage principles aligned with UNESCO recognition show that stepwells historically served as:
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Environmental infrastructure
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Social gathering centers
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Architectural marvels
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Symbols of sustainable living
The conservation work led by Hari Chandana aligns with these global principles — preserving authenticity while restoring functionality and community relevance.
Mah Laqa Bai Stepwell — A Convergence of Vision
The experience gained from urban sustainability in GHMC and rural heritage revival in Narayanpet converged powerfully in the restoration of the Mah Laqa Bai Stepwell. Here, heritage conservation evolved into:
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Architectural restoration
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Groundwater sustainability
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An educational heritage space
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Community collaboration
Today, it stands not as a static monument, but as a living symbol of Hyderabad’s past nurturing its future.
Redefining Development Through Heritage
What distinguishes Hari Chandana IAS is not merely the number of projects undertaken, but the philosophy behind them. She has demonstrated that:
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Development does not require the erasure of history
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Heritage can drive sustainability
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Governance can reconnect people with their roots
In an era of rapid concrete expansion, her work proves that true progress preserves memory while building the future.
From City Streets to Ancient Stone Steps — A Flowing Legacy
From urban Hyderabad under GHMC… to the rural stepwells of Narayanpet… to the grand revival within Osmania University… Hari Chandana’s journey represents a rare continuity of visionary public service.
Each restored stepwell delivers a powerful message: When leadership respects heritage, the future becomes stronger.
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