Sudi Stepwell Restoration - Project Details

Project Phases Overview

Phase 1

Nagakunda stepwell: the ancient stepwell will be restored, which would include water rejuvenaion and conservation of the structure along with landscaping the garden around it.

Phase 2

Maintenance of Nagakunda stepwell post restoration and redevelopment of the ancient temple, namely the Jodadakalasada temple, built during the later Chalukyan period, will be taken up for restoration and connected to the Nagakunda stepwell with a pathway. However, phase 2 will be considered for approval only when phase 1 works are completed.

Project Timeline

Start: January 2025 | End: October 2025

Documentation of the stepwell, condition mapping: 30 days
Clearing of vegetation and unwanted weeds: 7 days
Removal of roots from the masonry: 45 days
Desilting and cleaning of well: 45 days
Architectural conservation: 180 days
Landscape development: 60 days
Services: 15 days
Pathways, site boundary: 60 days
Operation and Maintenance: 5 years as per agreement

Estimated duration of project: 9 months

Project update summary - July 2025

The rear side of the stepwell was finished with a 5-inch thick PCC layer to act as a water-resistant surface, and the slope was maintained in such a way that water flows into the stepwell.
Construction of a 9-inch high pavement edge stone wall is in progress to reduce the pavement area
Pointing work began with lime mortar was mixed with local stone dust, lime water, jaggery, and kadukkai water. Four different samples were prepared by varying the proportions of stone dust.
The ground surface around the stepwell was excavated to a depth of approximately 9 inches using a JCB to facilitate the laying of a 6-inch GSB layer. The slope was maintained outwards to direct water away from the structure.
Finalized proportion - One bag of processed lime mortar, 1.5 cups (600 ml) of local stone dust, 2 cups (600 ml) of surki (brick powder), 5 cups (100 ml each) of yellow oxide, 5 tablespoons of red oxide, along with lime water, jaggery, and kadukkai water, were mixed together in a single batch to achieve the desired brown colour
Stones and bricks were crushed using a hammer and then rubbed against another stone surface to obtain a fine powder, which was then sieved through a No. 16 sieve. The approved mix was applied using pointing tools of various sizes
Edge strengthening - M 20 grade PCC band was provided around the edge of top layer stones on Nagakunda to arrest water penetration inside the joints

Project update summary - June 2025

Lime concreting works in Ganesha mandir terrace, Ganesha mandir ground floor, Linga mantapa ground floor
Structurally missing stone members were measured and the surface was cleaned to enable fixing
To enable resetting the undulated flooring and step stones with lime mortar, scaffoldings works were initiated
Manual stone surface cleaning was initiated to remove algae, surface blackening, dirt, and the corrosive layer
To lay the 6-inch thick WMM (Wet Mix Macadam) layer — a water-resistant layer that provides load-bearing strength, durability, and longevity to the pavement — the ground was leveled using a JCB (Image 1), and the entrance-level stones were reset according to the proposed slope
Entrance-level stones were reset according to the proposed slope (Image 1). To provide strength and support, broken stones and aggregates were filled with dry mix or cement mortar to a depth of 6 inches inside the trench surrounding the structure
Updated toilet block design and facade details to be shared with Commissioner for final records by 3rd Jul.
Official letter needed from Commissioner for starting the petrology report. Letter has been sent to GIS on Tue, 1st July.
No impact to overall schedule as works post obtaining petrology report can be done in parallel with landscaping works.

Project update summary - May 2025

1. Sample required for petrology report has been collected. Report expected in about a month's time.

Based on this report, stone treatment would have to be done. This treatment can happen in parallel with landscaping works after structural conservation works are completed.

Finalization of Landscaping works would be completed after Donor discussion on 4th June. Based on this discussion,
- Final landscape plan will be detailed out.
- Final electrical layout will be detailed out.
- Overall project schedule would be within the given timelines if Landscaping works start by 1st July.
Final report from WLF is scheduled to be submitted to the Donor by the end of this week. The pending items on the same are:
- Review from HM team
- Submission of CAD drawing for the water conservation layout by WLF.
Some activities for flooring works will be taken up in parallel this week to facilitate completion of all activities to be done by the Stone Works team. The activities to be done by the Stone Works team is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Project update summary - April 2025

Main points to note on delays due to external dependency for HM:

1) Cost Estimates and Detailed Planning for Conservation Works is pending. Waiting on Vatsalya's inputs.

2) Waiting for response from Arun Menon Sir to finalize on the approach to sample collection for Petrology Study.

3) Waiting for a design report from Landscape Architect.

4) Awaiting procurement of metal pipes. Expected by 8th April

Main points to Note on delays due to external dependency for WLF:

1) Panchayat is expected to take up work on wall construction for divergence of grey water next week.

2) Barricades to be put up on 7th Apr. Procurement process for the same is completed.

Project update summary - March 2025

Tasks such as erection of the green net, devegetation, cement plaster removal, and the removal of pavement stones and PCC in and around the Nagakunda structure were completed on time.
The removal of structural stone members from the Naga Kunda structure was delayed due to the failure of ballie scaffolding caused by the weight of the stones. Given the specific ground conditions, a steel structure design was undertaken. Since the site is remotely located, the procurement of metal pipes with the required structural thickness and size is a time-consuming process and is currently in progress.
In the meantime, new tasks such as the removal of pavement stones, devegetation, and cement plaster removal were carried out at the Ganesh Mandir, Nandi, and Lingam Mandapam. Additionally, site clearance around the Nandi and Lingam Mandapam has been completed.
Petrology study : The initial discussion has taken place, and further processes, such as sample collection, is planned for April. The results of the petrology study report will impact the budget and estimate for the structure's conservation proposal.

Project update summary - Jan - Feb 2025

Week 1 (Jan 25 - Feb 01) : Site Clearance

Week 2 (Feb 02 - Feb 08) : Light vegetation clearance inside the

stepwell and Material shed construction works

Week 3 (Feb 09 - Feb 15) : Desilting works

Week 4 (Feb 16 - Feb 22) : Desilting works, Photogrammetric

documentation works, Site boundary covering works,

Scaffolding erection works

Sudi project featured in the Architectural Digest

Architectural Digest (AD) is a globally recognized magazine focused on architecture, interior design, and luxury living. It showcases high-end residences, celebrity homes, design trends, and architectural innovations, owned by Conde Nast.

https://www.architecturaldigest.in/story/a-stepwell-in-sudi-will-be-resorted-to-its-former-glory-by-the-deccan-heritage-foundation/

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse