Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 9: When undertaking road work near the peepal tree at Dongerkery junction here, an ancient well came into view. The locals are of the view that this well could be several centuries old.

The walls of the well that is about 50 feet deep, is built of red laterite stones. The width of the well is about 4.5 metres. It has clean water for a depth of 15 feet. This happens to be one among the 18 wells then city municipality during in 1917, it is said. People of many households made use of the well water.

After the tap water was supplied to the city, wells slowly lost their relevance. A couple of people had jumped into this well and committed suicides. Later, finding that the well was not being used by anyone, it was closed with concrete slab in 1 969 or around that time.

This happens to be the fourth ancient well to have come to light during the Smart City works in the city. During September last year, a century old well was found near Hampankatta. That well has since been it has been provided with a compound wall. Another British period well which was found near Navbharath Junction and a well at Bolar Junction were found thereafter.

Mayor Premananda Shetty, said that like the first well, the other three wells found now will be beautified and their water will be tested for potability. He said that the wells will be retained when undertaking other works.