05/08/2026
A forgotten piece of Bengaluru's water history?
I came across this old structure on Hesaraghatta Main Road, Bengaluru.
From what I understand, this little building may be connected to the historic water infrastructure created around the time the Hesaraghatta Reservoir was built in 1894 to supply drinking water to Bengaluru.
The Hesaraghatta project was one of the most important milestones in Bengaluru's history. It formed part of the city's first major protected water-supply system and helped bring water from the Arkavathi basin to a growing Bengaluru.
And yet, today, this old structure stands neglected, deteriorating and surrounded by what appears to be a dumping ground.
If this building is indeed part of that historic water-supply system, then we may be looking at a small but significant piece of Bengaluru's history.I don't know the exact story of this building, and I would love to hear from anyone who does.
Was this a water station?
What was its original purpose?
Who designed and built it?
Is it documented anywhere in our heritage records?
Perhaps someone from the Archaeological Department, BWSSB, INTACH, or Bengaluru's heritage conservation community can help identify it.
Before another piece of our city's history disappears, perhaps we should first stop and ask:
What is this building? And does it deserve to be saved?Sometimes, heritage doesn't need a grand campaign to be saved.
Sometimes, it just needs someone to notice.
