Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
During a trek on Sunday in the Khabutari hill range, located north of Mitmita village near the city, a 30-foot-deep crevice was discovered. An iron coin was also found at the site. Owing to its mysterious and distinctive structure, there is optimism that the area could emerge as a new tourist attraction in the future.
Satish Sarode and Sachin Somde from Mitmita informed historian Shivaji Gaikwad about the discovery, following which an on-site inspection was conducted. It is believed that the crevice could be part of an underground water system, or there may be a large tunnel beneath the surface. As the crevice is located midway on the hill and has a cavity above it, there is a strong possibility of uncovering a significant historical feature.
There is also speculation that water from various sources may have been channelled through an underground system to locations such as Panchakki and Thatte Haud. In ancient times, natural water reservoirs (baravs) were often created along travellers’ routes, and many of these still hold water even during summer. According to Shivaji Gaikwad, this could be an excellent example of historical architecture developed by rulers of that era.
The site lies along the route between Daulatabad Fort and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, which was historically an important trade route. It is also possible that merchants may have used underground spaces in this area to store valuables or hidden treasure, he added.
Need for further research
At present, the crevice is being discussed as a “discovery”. However, a joint study by geologists, the archaeology department, and water experts could help unravel the mystery of this site.