Osmania University Signs MoUs to Restore Stepwells, Set Up Biogas Unit

Hyderabad: Osmania University (OU) on Friday announced the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and engineering firms to restore the historic step wells on the OU campus and establish a biogas unit to manage waste effectively.

The MoU signed with the Society for the Advancement of Human Endeavour (SAHE), focuses on the restoration of the Adikmet step well, the step well near the University College of Education block, and the one near the Mechanical Engineering block. The partnership aims to restore the unique architectural features of these ancient stepwells, ensuring they retain their historical significance, the press statement said.

Efforts will be made to rejuvenate the step wells, enabling them to contribute to groundwater recharge. The surrounding areas of these step wells will be developed to enhance their aesthetic and functional appeal, based on SAHE’s proposed plans. SAHE will be instrumental in securing the necessary funds to see the restoration through to completion.

The university signed a tripartite agreement with Saahas, an NGO specialising in solid waste management, and Ahuja Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd (AES), to set up a two tonnes per day (TPD) biogas unit on the campus. Saahas, established in 2001, will leverage its network to secure corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding, while AES will provide the technology and equipment and hand it over to the university after six months of functioning.