Maharashtra Minister for Cultural Affairs Ashish Shelar on Saturday directed the archaeology department to prioritise the preservation and conservation of the state’s historic stepwells, also known as 'Baravs', and prepare a comprehensive action plan for their protection.

Special campaign to remove encroachments

During a meeting of the Stepwell Conservation Committee constituted by the Maharashtra government, Shelar instructed officials to launch a special drive through district collectors to remove encroachments around historic stepwells across the state.