'Khooni Bhandara' declared state protected monument

Bhopal, Jan 8 (UNI) 'Khooni Bhandara' -- an ancient underground water supply system built in Burhanpur during the rule of Mughal Emperor Jehangir -- has been declared as a state protected monument by the Madhya Pardesh Government.

The water supply system -- which is a unique piece of ancient engineering -- was constructed by Subedar Rahim Khankhana in 1615.

The system comprising tunnels that take reservoir, around 80-100 feet deep, were dug as a part of the water supply system, an official release said here today.

Narrow vertical tunnels were also dug to connect horizontal tunnels that were used to clean the system.

The state government had decided to protect the system in view of its archaeological importance.

Henceforth, any mining or construction work within a diametre of 100 m of the monument would be banned, the release added.

UNI PS SW ND2014