In the parched landscapes of India, ancient architectural marvels are being transformed from forgotten relics into lifelines of water infrastructure, thanks to the tireless work of environmental champion Arun Krishnamurthy.

The Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), led by Krishnamurthy, has embarked on an ambitious mission to restore hundreds of water bodies across the nation, with a special focus on stepwells—intricate water structures that represent centuries of ingenious civic engineering.

Recently highlighted on CNN, Krishnamurthy's project has already restored over 600 natural and man-made water sources, with particular attention to the historic 'baolis' or stepwells that dot the Indian landscape. These remarkable structures, some dating back thousands of years, are not just architectural wonders but critical water management systems that have sustained communities through multiple imperial eras.

One remarkable success story is the Moosi Rani Sagar in Rajasthan, a stepwell nestled among India's oldest mountains. This complex water system, fed by a 900-meter-long canal with sophisticated sedimentation infrastructure, required extensive restoration. Invasive weeds were cleared, silt was dredged, and decades of accumulated garbage were removed, transforming the site into a functional water resource.

With support from the Hinduja Foundation and Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation, Krishnamurthy and his team are not merely preserving history but creating practical solutions for modern water scarcity. Of India's more than 3,000 existing baolis, many had deteriorated into garbage dumps or been overwhelmed by vegetation, making their restoration both a cultural preservation and infrastructural improvement project.

The restoration process demands extraordinary expertise. For the Moosi Rani Sagar and an upcoming project in Devanahalli near Bangalore, Krishnamurthy has been forced to seek out local artisans who understand traditional stone-working techniques—a skill rapidly disappearing in modern times.

'Stepwell restoration is the next big implementation challenge,' Krishnamurthy told CNN, emphasizing the project's importance. 'We have a greater responsibility now in protecting these historical assets, which are a testament to human intelligence.' With two stepwells already restored and six more planned by 2026, EFI is breathing new life into these extraordinary water management systems, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary needs.