In India, stepwells, once vital sources of water, had fallen into disrepair after British colonial rulers deemed them unhygienic and ordered their closure in the late 1800s. Many were abandoned, used as garbage dumps, and forgotten, while modern borewells exacerbated the water crisis. However, recent restoration efforts by state governments, conservation specialists, and organisations such as the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) have revived many stepwells across the country. Notable restorations include the Toorji ka Jhalra stepwell in Jodhpur, the Moosi Rani Sagar stepwell in Alwar, and the Bansilalpet stepwell in Hyderabad, which has even been transformed into a performance venue. In cities like New Delhi and Jaipur, restored stepwells contribute significantly to the water supply, providing thousands of gallons of water daily.