Ancient step well, used as military base, discovered in Nirmal fort

Historian Dr Thummala Devrao claims discovery of an ancient 200-step well at Nirmal fort, possibly used for military movement and defense. He says it includes tunnels and secret passages and urges government protection and development of the site as a tourist attraction

Devrao stated that the well, which currently had no traces of water, might have been dug to facilitate the secret movement of soldiers from the fort to a safe place if the fort was invaded by enemies. The well containing 200 steps was constructed with rocks about 500 meters from sea level. The well was also possiboy used for mounting retaliatory attacks against the invaders.

He observed that the well was not built for water, but was used as a military base. The well had secret peepoing holes that were meant to help soldiers identify invaders.  The bottom of the well is rectangular. A tunnel with an area of one meter was also dug in the bottom of the well. Soldiers can easily reach neighboring forts with the help of the tunnel.

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He narrated that one could find many step wells in agricultural lands across the district. However, this step well situated in this historic fort is unique when compared to similar structures discovered in the State. One can locate the well by a secret route and two ways that were closed by wooden doors, he maintained.

The historian urged the government to take steps to protect the historic structure and to convert it into a tourist spot.