In a bid to restore and preserve historical heritage, the municipal corporation (MC) has reopened the Deorhi of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, located opposite the Ram Bagh police station. This historic gate, an emblem of the region’s illustrious past, was rejuvenated with the support of a local non-governmental organization (NGO), City on Pedals. Despite this commendable effort, the site struggles with minimal tourist interest due to a lack of promotional activities and ongoing encroachment problems.
The Deorhi, an integral part of the Ram Bagh gate—a significant landmark among the city’s 12 key gates—was extensively restored under the national Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). However, the substantial investment in its conservation has not translated into a well-maintained or widely recognized site. Visitors are met with an unsightly view of heaps of garbage at the entrance, while unauthorized vendors have set up shop around the monument, obstructing access.
Principal Kulwant Singh Ankhi, a local activist, expressed dismay over the state of the Deorhi. “Despite the considerable funds spent on restoration, the maintenance of this historic site has been lacking. The government has failed to promote it effectively, and the presence of rehris blocking the entrance further detracts from its appeal,” he remarked.
Rishab Mahajan from City on Pedals highlighted the NGO’s commitment to local tourism. “We took responsibility for the Deorhi in 2022. Although it was initially closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve since opened it to the public. Yet, only about 10 visitors come daily. There’s a pressing need for concerted efforts to popularize this historical gem.”
Tourism experts have emphasized the necessity for a dedicated heritage cell within the local government to ensure proper maintenance and promotion of such sites. This unit would be tasked with overseeing the upkeep of historical structures and collaborating with the Tourism Department to enhance their visibility.
The Deorhi stands as a testament to the grandeur of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who famously traversed this gate on his way to the Golden Temple. Its current condition, however, reflects a broader issue of neglect and inadequate support for cultural preservation. As the city looks to the future, the call for greater investment in both the protection and promotion of its historical assets grows louder.
