The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to open a regional sub-circle office here to preserve the numerous war monuments located here.

Addressing mediapersons here at DC Conference Hall, officials from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the ASI, led by Mr S.P. Singh, Director General National Museums, said their team was excited to see the immense wealth of historical war monuments situated in the town.

Mr Singh said these monuments were initially being maintained by the Central Government but after the new notification in 1962, the work related to their upkeep was handed over to the state government.

Regrettably these monuments, which include Anglo Sikh War Memorial Ferozshah, War Pillar Mudki, War Pillar Mishriwala, Saragarhi Memorial Gurdwara, had been in a state of neglect ever since, he said. The team also visited the house in old city where revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev used to congregate and chalk out strategies against the British rule.

Mr Kulbir Singh Sidhu, Commissioner, said the decision of the ASI to open the office would go a long way in making the town a tourist attraction and bringing it on the national heritage map.

Mr K.P.S. Bhadoria, Superintendent Archaeologist, Chandigarh Circle, said he was surprised at seeing so many historical war monuments here, which, due to lack of upkeep, were in dilapidated condition.