The Architect of the Constitution had led a water satyagrah at the well located in Bhiwandi Bhiwandi : On the Mahaparinirvan Din, the death anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, a shocking revelation from Bhiwandi taluka has stirred intense public anger. The historic ‘Sati Well’ – believed to be the site of a historic water satyagraha led by Dr. Ambedkar – has allegedly been buried. Residents fear that an invaluable chapter of Ambedkar’s legacy tied to Padgha is being deliberately wiped out. The Sati Well, situated on Survey No. 79/10 within the Padgha Gram Panchayat limits, is said to be almost a century old. Historical references state that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar had visited Padgha and Samtanagar, staying at the home of Kashinath Hashaba Donde. During this visit, Ambedkar and fellow satyagrahis reportedly drew water from the Sati Well as part of a symbolic protest against caste-based restrictions—an incident documented in the book Thane Sanghsarita. While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’ , Hirabai Dundaanji Sonawane (95), said, “We were children when Babasaheb came to Padgha. He performed the water satyagraha at the Sati Well. A large gathering was held under a leadwood tree. Babasaheb told us, ‘Educate your children.’ He stayed at the house of Kashinath Donde, and he had tea there.” Her statement is regarded as one of the last living testimonies of the event. Long Fight For nearly 20 years, locals have been fighting to preserve this historic well. Senior social activist Sharad Sane, 79, alleged that despite repeated complaints to the Padgha Gram Panchayat, no action has been taken. He further claimed that suspicious land dealings have taken place with the involvement of certain officials. Local resident Milind Jadhav has submitted written representations to the Mumbai Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, the Thane District Collector, the Bhiwandi Prant Officer, the Tehsildar and other authorities, demanding immediate action against those responsible. “This well, blessed by Babasaheb’s footsteps, is the pride of Padgha. We will never allow anyone to erase this history. My fight to reopen the well will continue,” he said. Padgha Mandal Officer Santosh Agavile confirmed that an inquiry had been carried out in 2019 and a report submitted to senior officials. “A fresh complaint has been received, and a hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Further investigation and a formal decision regarding the well will follow,” he stated. However, locals allege that sluggish administrative response has emboldened land mafias, who they claim are responsible for burying the well with the support of certain officials. Followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar assert that this act is a deliberate attempt to erase historical evidence.
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