Andhra man's viral cleanliness drive brings ancient stepwell back to life
A social media-driven campaign led by influencer Abbayi Kanth brought together over 300 volunteers in Nandyal District to clean and restore a neglected ancient stepwell.
For years, an ancient stepwell in Andhra Pradesh was slowly disappearing under layers of garbage. However, it resurfaced and not because of authorities, but because hundreds of ordinary people decided it mattered.
The initiative was led by social influencer Abbayi Kanth, who drew attention to the deteriorating condition of an old well located in Peapully Mandal. Once an important water structure, the stepwell had over time been reduced to a dumping ground, filled with plastic waste, discarded food packets, and temple offerings such as turmeric sachets, coconut shells, leaf plates, and flower garlands. In a video shared online, Kanth highlighted not just the filth but the quiet loss of heritage unfolding in plain sight.
His appeal struck a chord. Within days, more than 300 volunteers stepped forward to help clean the site under the banner of Poorva Sampada Rakshaka Sena, a collective focused on heritage protection. Armed with gloves, tools, and an unmistakable sense of purpose, volunteers worked together to remove waste and uncover the original structure of the well. The effort was not limited to a single day, with teams coordinating cleanup drives to ensure the space was thoroughly restored.
The transformation, documented through before-and-after videos, quickly went viral, earning praise online for what many called “100% civic sense.” Viewers lauded the initiative as an example of how responsible digital influence can translate into meaningful on-ground action. More importantly, the effort sparked conversations around how religious practices, negligence, and lack of awareness often contribute to the degradation of historical sites.
See the video:
To ensure the well does not slip back into neglect, organisers have begun spreading awareness among locals and visitors, urging them to respect heritage spaces and dispose of waste responsibly. Signage and community engagement are being used to reinforce the message that preservation is a shared duty, not the job of authorities alone.
What stands out is how quickly people rallied behind the cause. Local residents, youth groups, and first-time volunteers were seen working alongside Kanth, united by a simple goal, to reclaim a piece of their history.
For years, an ancient stepwell in Andhra Pradesh was slowly disappearing under layers of garbage. However, it resurfaced and not because of authorities, but because hundreds of ordinary people decided it mattered.
The initiative was led by social influencer Abbayi Kanth, who drew attention to the deteriorating condition of an old well located in Peapully Mandal. Once an important water structure, the stepwell had over time been reduced to a dumping ground, filled with plastic waste, discarded food packets, and temple offerings such as turmeric sachets, coconut shells, leaf plates, and flower garlands. In a video shared online, Kanth highlighted not just the filth but the quiet loss of heritage unfolding in plain sight.
His appeal struck a chord. Within days, more than 300 volunteers stepped forward to help clean the site under the banner of Poorva Sampada Rakshaka Sena, a collective focused on heritage protection. Armed with gloves, tools, and an unmistakable sense of purpose, volunteers worked together to remove waste and uncover the original structure of the well. The effort was not limited to a single day, with teams coordinating cleanup drives to ensure the space was thoroughly restored.
The transformation, documented through before-and-after videos, quickly went viral, earning praise online for what many called “100% civic sense.” Viewers lauded the initiative as an example of how responsible digital influence can translate into meaningful on-ground action. More importantly, the effort sparked conversations around how religious practices, negligence, and lack of awareness often contribute to the degradation of historical sites.
See the video:
To ensure the well does not slip back into neglect, organisers have begun spreading awareness among locals and visitors, urging them to respect heritage spaces and dispose of waste responsibly. Signage and community engagement are being used to reinforce the message that preservation is a shared duty, not the job of authorities alone.
What stands out is how quickly people rallied behind the cause. Local residents, youth groups, and first-time volunteers were seen working alongside Kanth, united by a simple goal, to reclaim a piece of their history.