Save Sirsa’s heritage: Nagrik Parishad urges CM to protect 100-yr-old historical buildings

In a heartfelt appeal to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, Nagrik Parishad, Sirsa, has requested him to take urgent steps to protect the ancient heritage and over 100-year-old government buildings in Sirsa. The parishad, led by president Jagdish Chopra and secretary Surender Bhatia, expressed their concern that many of these historic sites were being neglected or faced demolition due to the urban development.

In their letter, they highlighted Sirsa’s deep historical roots, tracing back to the 6th century when it was believed to be founded by King Saras, after whom the city is named. The city was destroyed in 1780 due to natural calamities and became what locals now call “thed" ancient mounds of ruins. Later, the modern city was re-established in 1837.

Nagrik Parishad emphasised that Sirsa had been settled and destroyed 20 to 21 times in history due to floods and earthquakes. Numerous heritage structures such as havelis, stepwells (baolis) and government buildings from the British era still exist some over a century old. Sadly, many are now in ruins, privately owned or face demolition.

One such example is the old Municipal Committee building, built in 1937. It first served as a tehsil court, became the DC office in 1975, and later housed municipal offices again. According to the parishad, the building is a masterpiece of architecture and deserves to be preserved as a heritage museum, showcasing ancient artefacts found in “thed" and donated by locals.

The parishad also proposed the conversion of other abandoned colonial era structures into museums or cultural centres. Surender Bhatia pointed out that lack of budget and official would have left many buildings on the brink of collapse. During the British rule, the city had a wooden badminton hall, officers’ clubs and a jail on what is now Town Park land.

Sirsa’s old city was once compact, with four main roads and eight markets. Grand havelis built from “thed" bricks and wide alleys were part of its charm. The Sarsainath Temple, once on the city outskirts, is now centrally located due to expansion. Even now, 6th century coins, seals and inscriptions in Brahmi script are found in and around Sirsa, proving its ancient legacy.

The parishad strongly opposed the plans to demolish old buildings and warned that urbanisation was wiping out valuable cultural memory. They urged the government to restore and protect Sirsa’s heritage, so future generations could understand and take pride in the city’s unique history and identity.

“History teaches, warns and connects us to our roots. If we erase it, we rob the youth of their cultural legacy,” said Bhatia.

Haryana Tribune