Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 18: A well, which is said to be over a century old, was found at Hampankatta in the city. Strangely, the well is in good condition even now. It is very deep, and some claim it to be aout 100 feet deep.

The well was found near the auto rickshaw stand near the signal circle of Hampankatta. During the execution of work under the Smart City Project, the road is being dug there when the workers who lifted the concrete slab found a well beneath.

Many say that the area acruied the name, 'Hampankatta' because of a person named Appanna, who used to sit on a platform built around a peepal tree near the said well and offer water to the passersby. The area, which was called as 'Appanna Katte' later came to known as Hampankatte, it is said. Appanna used to get water from the well that has been rediscovered now, it is claimed.

Several people whose forefathers were running their businesses here, recollect that their parents had told him about Appanna and the well. Many say that the city was once known to be having hundreds of wells in the past. They insist that such unique wells which have good water source, should be conserved.

Managing director of Smart City, Mohammed Nazir, said that work at the spot has been stolpped after coming to know about the history of the well. He said that further action will be taken after holding discussions with he local administration and officials of other departments.