ISLAMABAD: It is perhaps due to its location on the border of the federal capital and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that the centuries-old historical ‘step-well’ is facing total neglect from the authorities concerned.

According to historians and local people, the step-well, commonly known as Kenthala Baoli, was built by Sher Shah Suri for the caravans who used to travel between Kabul and this part of the world.

The historic Baoli is situated on the border of Islamabad and Haripur which originally falls in the limits of the KP province in the Kenthala village, about one kilometre from the Shah Allah Ditta caves.

However, the authorities concerned have failed to maintain this important site.

During a visit to the site on Saturday, Dawn observed that there was no signboard and even the well was full of dirty water.

“I’m quite surprised to see such a historical well here but, unfortunately, there is no signboard highlighting the importance of the site,” said Mohammad Mudasir, a visitor.

He requested the KP government to take steps to preserve and properly maintain this important site.

Another visitor, Javed Khan also expressed displeasure over the archaeology department’s negligence in preserving the site.

“The government should clean the water from the well and erect a board highlighting the historical importance of the site,” he said.

According to the Asian Civilization journal issued by the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilization in 2010, the Baoli has 11.3 metre length, 3.5 metre width and 04 metre height.

Speaking to Dawn, historian and archaeologist Professor Dr Ghaniur Rehman of the Quaid-i-Azam University said Baoli was built by Sher Shah Suri for his caravans. This was a place where all caravans would stop to feed their animals. “This is an important place and the government should document it for the next generation,” he said, adding by paying a little attention the government could use this source of water for the population of nearby villages.

Sher Shah Suri (1486 to 1545) was the founder of the Sur Empire in North India. During his reign, he built many roads, wells and other historic buildings in the region.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2014