A historic well in Khonp village in Chhatarpur has become a centre of attraction for the people. It is the same village mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat programme. The unique feature of this well is one does not need a rope or a bucket to drink water here. If one does not have these means, one can still quench one’s thirst by descending the stairs. This unique well is four generations old and still serves as a source of water in summer.
This well in Khonp village was built by a childless Brahmin family. They not only built the well but also built a temple next to it. Janaki Rajak, an elderly woman from the village who is now 60 years old, says that she has seen this well since her childhood. This well used to be the main source of water for the residents of the village and children, elderly people and women used to fetch water from there. Today, though there is water in every house, this well is preserved as a historical and cultural heritage.
The unique thing about this well is its staircase facility which enables people to access the water without using rope and bucket. Even in the summer season when the water level goes down, people can easily go down and fetch water with the help of the staircase of this well.
The people of the village consider this well as their heritage and maintain it with special care. The villagers say that earlier water was taken from this well and offered in the temple and the school children also used to drink water from there.
Now that there is water in the houses and the well is not used as much as before, it is still a topic of conversation among the people. People come from far and wide to see this well and appreciate its unique structure and history. This well has become the identity of Khaump village and is a symbol of preserving the village’s heritage.
Similarly, the historic Pinsaria pond, situated 28 kilometres away from Nagaur in Rajasthan, has provided water for animals and birds. In the past, it was a breeding ground for storks due to its favourable conditions. However, nowadays, storks no longer frequent the area. Instead, the pond now serves as a refuge for various other bird species and wildlife. Omprakash Bhati, a resident, shared that this pond was constructed by the Banjara community five centuries ago.
In ancient times, the Banjars visited this location for trading purposes. This led to the construction of a pond to provide water for their oxen and to offer a resting spot. The pond’s dam spans between two villages, Roll and Surjaniyawas, with an area of 115 bighas in Roll and 5 bighas in Surjaniyawas. In terms of vegetation, a dedicated conservation area has been established for the Kair tree species native to Rajasthan.
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