Chandigarh's Rock Garden, an emblem of artistic ingenuity and environmental sustainability, is currently at the center of a heated debate following the demolition of a section of its outer wall. Reason for demolition—road widening and the creation of additional parking space. Without missing a beat, this move has ignited widespread concern among citizens and conservationists alike.
The iconic Rock GardenThe Rock Garden of Chandigarh stands as a testament to the vision of Nek Chand Saini, a former public works inspector. In 1957, amidst the rapid modernization of post-independence India, Chand embarked on a somewhat clandestine project to transform urban waste into art. It took him almost 20 years, and mountains of collected discarded materials—ranging from broken ceramics to industrial debris—to craft a sprawling garden filled with sculptures, winding pathways, and cascading waterfalls. Chandigarh’s Rock Garden is more than a landmark.
This unique "garden" remained a secret until 1975, when authorities discovered the 12-acre complex. After the discovery, the government sanctioned its preservation and expansion. Today, the garden spans over 40 acres and attracts hundreds of visitors daily.
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The controversial demolitionOn February 22, 2025, following an order from the Punjab and Haryana High Court dated February 21, a portion of the Rock Garden's outer wall was demolished in order to widen the adjacent road and provide more parking facilities for the visitors. This demolition project also included cutting down 50 trees in the area.
As per the administration, the demolished wall was not an original part of the Rock Garden. However, this claim was swiftly refuted by Anuj Saini, the son of Nek Chand. As expected, the demolition sparked significant public outrage. And on February 28, a large number of residents, environmentalists, and art enthusiasts gathered near the Rock Garden to protest the decision.
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The controversy surrounding the demolition of the Rock Garden's wall is a reminder of the challenges inherent in urban development. Do we need more parking spaces, do we need broader roads, how efficient is our existing infrastructure…the questions are never ending.
The next time you visit this iconic landmark, you may have to make peace with seeing less of the Rock Garden.
