The proposal is to dismantle a section of about 25 feet of the Rock Garden, a much-loved symbol of imagination and green art.
Controversy as chandigarh's heritage Rock Garden demolished for road project: In a step that has generated controversy, sections of Nek Chand's famous Rock Garden in Chandigarh are being demolished to pave the way for a road-widening project and more parking space close to the High Court. The proposal is to dismantle a section of about 25 feet of the Rock Garden, a much-loved symbol of imagination and green art.
The destruction has outraged locals, who are highly emotionally and culturally attached to the Rock Garden. Anuj Saini, son of the garden's creator Nek Chand, has voiced strong concern over the destruction being caused to his father's legacy. He underscored the non-replaceable nature of the garden, which has been a source of inspiration and pride for the people of Chandigarh.
Conservationists of Chandigarh heritage have also flayed the step, saying it is against not only the city's environmental significance but also the heritage value. They say demolishing such an unusual landmark sets back the work of preserving Chandigarh's heritage. Aggrieved people have planned to protest at 3 pm today at the Rock Garden (parking side opposite High Court), demanding that urgent steps be taken to stop destruction.
A poster that has been widely shared online calls for people to come together against the demolition and defend the city's distinctive heritage. The poster contains a moving photograph of bulldozers knocking down sections of the Rock Garden's wall, emphasizing the seriousness of what is being destroyed.
A Chandigarh Heritage Conservation Committee (CHCC) member, who wished not to be identified, disapproved of the administration's action, saying, "Nek Chand's own precious work is being destroyed partly to accommodate a road and parking of vehicles that emit pollution. Several huge, lovely old trees were also felled, without keeping in mind the harm to the environment. The world is repurposing concrete city centers as green spaces to provide a cleaner environment, while we are going in the opposite direction."
The demolition has evoked not only opposition to the loss of a cultural symbol but also to the environmental costs of felling trees and adding pollution. The public protest and the proposed demonstration indicate the undercurrent of feeling and the resolve of the people to keep the Rock Garden intact for posterity. The next few days will show whether the authorities will change their minds or go ahead with the irreparable harm to one of Chandigarh's most prized symbols.
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