In a nation grappling with a severe water crisis, an ancient marvel of engineering is re-emerging as a beacon of hope: India's historic stepwells. These intricately designed, subterranean structures, once the lifeblood of communities, are now the focus of a remarkable restoration effort by an dedicated environmentalist. This initiative seeks to tap into the wisdom of the past to secure a sustainable water future for the world's most populous country. For nearly two decades, Arun Krishnamurthy, through his organization, the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), has dedicated his efforts to rejuvenating India's numerous blighted water bodies. His relentless work has led to the successful restoration of an impressive 657 lakes, ponds, and other water sources across 19 Indian states. Now, he is embarking on what he calls the "next big implementation challenge": the ambitious mission to revive India’s vanishing stepwells. Stepwells, centuries-old terraced stone reservoirs, were ingeniously designed to collect, store, and provide access to potable groundwater. Beyond their practical utility for drinking, agriculture, and industry, they also served as vital community gathering points. However, over time, many of these architectural wonders have succumbed to neglect, pollution, and the pressures of rapid urbanization, leading to their deterioration and disuse. × Krishnamurthy views stepwell restoration as a critical responsibility, recognizing these structures not only as historical assets but also as profound testaments to human ingenuity. He emphasizes that EFI's existing lake and pond restoration projects already draw inspiration from the sophisticated engineering principles embedded in stepwell design. Understanding hydrological flow, land use, storage parameters, and traditional construction methods provides invaluable lessons that are being adapted to address contemporary water challenges. Despite his vast experience, Krishnamurthy acknowledges that stepwell restoration presents unique demands. These ancient structures require specialized traditional knowledge and craftsmanship to restore their architectural integrity. Furthermore, their long-term preservation is often challenged by vandalism, necessitating ongoing vigilance and community engagement. To address these complexities, EFI strategically hires local experts who possess generational knowledge specific to the wells they aim to restore. This approach ensures that the restoration process respects and integrates traditional techniques. One such project is the planned renovation of a completely dry stepwell in Devanahalli, near Bangalore. While its stone infrastructure remains largely intact, the project will involve aesthetic enhancements and, crucially, robust community engagement to ensure its future protection and accountability. India’s rich history is deeply intertwined with water, and its ancient civilizations were renowned for sophisticated urban planning, including elaborate stepwells and temple tanks. These structures were essential in a time before electricity, providing deep underground storage units that slowly brought water to the surface. Ornate carvings and divine sculptures often adorned these wells, transforming them into inverted temples—a reflection of the sacred status of water in Indian culture. EFI has successfully restored two stepwells, with plans for an additional six in 2026. The Moosi Rani Sagar stepwell in Alwar, Rajasthan, was EFI's inaugural stepwell restoration in 2022, undertaken with the support of Hinduja Foundation, the Prince Albert II de Monaco Foundation, and Ashok Leyland. This vital water source, set in the Aravalli foothills, had suffered from years of neglect, accumulating solid waste and crumbling stonework. The restoration involved repairing infrastructure, removing waste, and enhancing both water quality and quantity. Krishnamurthy advocates for maximal conservation with minimal intervention, relying on traditional methods rather than extensive modern technological enhancements. This approach underscores the importance of a specialized workforce with the generational skills to maintain the architectural authenticity of these structures. The science behind the materials and artisan skills used in their original construction is immense, making the restoration process a remarkable learning experience. While water holds deep spiritual significance in India, often celebrated through offerings, this practice unfortunately contributes to pollution in both natural waterways and stepwells. Krishnamurthy candidly admits that such irresponsible behavior towards nature and cultural heritage can be demotivating, but he remains steadfast in his commitment. EFI combats these challenges through public awareness campaigns, school programs, and wall paintings, fostering a sense of community ownership essential for the long-term preservation of these life-sustaining structures. For Krishnamurthy, the opportunity to work on these vital projects is a profound blessing, and he and his team are prepared to give their utmost to ensure India’s ancient water wisdom continues to serve its future generations.