MP to seek heritage tag for Mughal era water-works

Bhopal: A Mughal era underground water management structure in Burhanpur district of Madhya Pradesh, known as the ‘Kundi Bhandara’ or ‘Khooni Bhandara,’ is eyeing the tag of UNESCO world heritage site. The state government has decided to take up the matter with the Centre.

A proposal in this regard would be sent to the union government to take the process forward, an official said here.

“At a meeting on Wednesday, Minister for Women and Child Development, Archna Chitnis said that a proposal is being sent to the Centre to get UNESCO heritage tag to the Mughal era Kundi Bhandara or Khooni Bhandara in the historic town of Burhanpur,” a Public Relations Department officer said on Thursday. Chitnis represents Burhanpur constituency in the State Assembly.

The meeting was called at the State Secretariat with an objective to prepare an action plan on the heritage conservation and restoration of Burhanpur’s glory.

Representatives of Archaeological Survey of India were also present in the meet.

Khooni Bhandara is a network of well-like structures, inter-connected through an underground tunnel. The system ensured a smooth course of water from the first to the last ‘Kundi’ (well) based on the law of gravity.

Iron stairs or ropes are used for going down the tunnel through these wells. These structures were developed during the Mughal era for water supply.

The structure, also a popular tourist attraction, is still functional and serves high-quality drinking water for parts of Burhanpur.