In July 2008, portions of the eastern wall of the Baoli collapsed, creating serious concerns to this 14th century structure and threatening the security of the 18 families that were occupying the southern terrace alongwith the 5000 or so pilgrims who used the corridor each day to visit the Dargah. It was found that the lower level of Baoli walls were covered with a thick layer of chemical epoxy in 2002-03, which led to considerable buckling of the walls as a result of hydraulic pressure. Epoxy is used for concrete tanks was inappropriate for the historic structure and accelerated decay.

The Baoli conservation is an example of a complex urban conservation project with multiple requirements that could only be addressed by a multi- disciplinary team and partnership of several government agencies. Following its partial collapse in 2008, the Baoli was repaired in a challenging and risky operation.

The repairs to the step-well commenced after extensive technical review, discussions with the Dargah committee and on removing seven centuries of deposits requiring 8000 man-days to remove.

In keeping with requests from the Dargah Committee and local community, the conservation works on the collapsed portions of the baoli were coupled with a mammoth effort to clean the step-well of all debris, 700 years of accumulated dust. For the first time in centuries, the baoli was de-silted to its original depth of 80 feet below the ground level and major repairs including the removal of the 20th century epoxy layer carried out.

Although being the earliest, this is the only Baoli in Delhi with active underground springs. Due to sewage water flowing in, waste disposal by adjoining houses and wuzu water draining here, water quality found to be worse than pesticide level. Exhaustive discussions with Dargah Committee, local residents prior to commencing repairs. The project witnessed significant community participation and support.

Conservation works on the collapsed portion were an opportunity to de-silt the well of the debris accumulated over hundreds of years. This was done manually while ensuring that a few inches of water remained in the Baoli to respect the community sentiment and allow the fish to remain. Following desilting of the Baoli, relaying of the sewage pipe, and water treatment systems, the water quality improved and drastic reduction in E-Coli levels.

A water quality test of the stagnant Baoli water before reconstruction revealed very high levels of E coli indicating sewage contamination. Following re-laying over 100 m of sewer pipes, by AKTC, as part of the conservation initiative, the ground water sources as well as the well water were retested post reconstruction and it was found that the water quality had considerably improved with a drastic reduction in E-Coli levels.

Following the collapse of a portion of the Baoli in July 2008, detailed geotechnical studies, structural analysis was carried out by national and international experts as a precursor to conservation works. To carry out an accurate condition assessment, sectional profiles were created using 3 D laser scanning data that allowed actual structural deformations to be mapped. A structural analysis of the structures surrounding the baoli, especially the southern arcade was also carried out.

As a first step, temporary shoring was installed to prevent further collapse and safeguard pilgrims. Craftsmen completed the reconstruction of the collapsed portion reusing the original stone. This required exhaustive studies, analysis, strict supervision, traditional materials and the most skilled and determined craftsmen to work tirelessly. Following the rebuilding of the collapsed portion and the removal of epoxy, the entire wall surface was grouted and re-pointed with lime mortar to fill the underlying voids identified in the GPRS study.

Following the July 2008 collapse of the Baoli’s eastern wall, there was concern both for the structural stability of standing portions as well for the well being of the 84 people who resided atop the southern terrace. The unsanitary and pathetic living conditions of these families were further worsened by the threat of structural collapse and as a first step temporary shoring was installed to ensure stability. The AKDN team initiated dialogue with the residents and then on the behalf of the residents with concerned government agencies culminating in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi providing alternate plots to 12 families in 2010. In this first successful relocation carried out in Delhi in several years it was ensured that the families continue to reside adjoining one another to maintain community bonds and support. For a year following the relocation, additional support such as transport allowance, vocational training, access to healthcare and education was provided.

This Baoli was built in the year 1321-1322 AD under the supervision of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. It is one of the few structures that were built during the saint’s own lifetime. The water from the Baoli is still considered to be auspicious. The 41 m long, 17 m wide step well, accessible by a series of steps on the north, has had several buildings of merit built along its edges over the centuries. The arcade passage around the Baoli was built at the time of Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Since it is considered to be auspicious to be buried near a saint’s grave. Therefore, the area around the Baoli became a major burial ground and was a witness to a large number of tombs constructions during 15th - 17th centuries.

As part of the conservation programme, when the project team analyzed the structure, it was found that the Baoli required urgent structural stabilization works since it was showing bulging in many portions of the walls. The Baoli was also listed in the cultural mapping undertaken, as one of the most significant buildings in the area. It was discussed that some of the adjoining buildings such as tombs which are at present used as accommodation could also be taken up for conservation, thereby significantly restoring the historic character of the area.

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All along the Baoli stand historical structures of significance. Till the early 20th century the Baoli, a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India, was lined with domed structures but over the last century it got hemmed in with modern construction. These historical structures were in a dilapidated state and had to be conserved in partnership with the locals. The process was a long drawn one that involved approval from the ASI, National Monuments Authority and South Delhi Municipal Corporation for the proposed architectural plans. Conservation works undertaken on the Baoli complex monuments has now ensured long term preservation, and restored the original architectural character and historical relationship of the structure with the Baoli.

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