Preparing for Conservation
Following the collapse of the west side wall, over 20 lakh litres of water were pumped out and fed into adjoining step-wells. Then, water was continuously pumped out to allow the well to dry.

The collapsed structure presented a major challenge with over 600 cum (equivalent to 100 truckloads) of masonry having collapsed. There was also significant risk of further collapse - onto craftsmen employed in the conservation effort. This process required over 4000 man days of work.

At the first instance the water contained in the well was draining to adjoining baolis and following which, over several months, the collapsed stone blocks were removed from the bed of the baoli to be re-used in the repairs. Heavy stone blocks required mechanical equipment to lift out.

The removal of the stone blocks revealed the friable condition of the rock and necessitated the laying of a concrete base on which the masonry could be built. This base was required to be built deep into the baoli base and resulted in a buttressed base to the western arcade.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture

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  • Baoli through the ages In Qutb Shahi Heritage Park: Conservation and Landscape Restoration. Aga Khan Trust for Culture, 2016.