Water tunnels soul of Panna district

Panna, MP, June 1: About 250-year-old underground water tunnels are providing uninterrupted water supply to more than 25 wells in Panna district of Madhya Pradesh.

These tunnels are directly linked to and receive water from ancient Dharamsagar pond in the town. After the system was established during princely era, it is functional even today and is an example for the entire country.

Hitherto capital of Bulandkesri Maharaj Chhatrasal, Panna is surrounded by hills and water is available at a depth of 40 feet below which stones are found. Surface water dried during summers leading to water scarcity.

In 1739, during the rule of his son Sabha Singh, Panna faced a severe drought. In order to provide relief to his denizens, Maharaj Sabhasingh got Dharamsagar pond constructed near a natural water source known as Dharamkund.

A temple of Lord Shiva was constructed on the Dharamkund and is situated between the Dharamsagar pond.

Maharaj Sabha Singh got several underground water tunnels constructed and connected to the pond. His successors later expanded the network and expansion work continued till the rule of Maharaj Rudrapratap Singh.

At present, most wells have enough water even during summer due to this unique arrangement.

UNI