Chandigarh’s Rock Garden, a masterpiece of recycled art, is under threat. Recently, a section of its outer wall was demolished to widen the road outside and create more parking space. They’re paving paradise to put up a parking lot. And I am outraged by this government-authorised vandalism.
The over 40-acre rock garden is a slice of Chandigarh’s history, designed and created by public works inspector Nek Chand Saini in secret back in 1957. When it was finally discovered by the administration in 1976, it was thrown open to the public.
It’s a magical kingdom built entirely from discarded materials. As a child, I was mesmerised by the intricate sculptures made from the detritus of our society— art from bangles, tires, tiles, sacks, and shards of glass. They looked so lifelike that I almost expected them to whisper back to me. There was a well where visitors tossed coins for good fortune. A little further was a waterfall, crafted from sacks. And then came the perfect ending: a row of swings that felt like a reward after a long walk. Born and raised in Chandigarh, the Rock Garden has been an integral part of my childhood—a place for fun school trips and family picnics, and a sanctuary where I could escape with my friends.
A city is more than just parking spots, malls and roads. And it is shameful that Chandigarh’s administration is unable to comprehend this.
Nek Chand’s son, Anuj Saini, rejected the official claim that the demolished wall was never part of the rock garden. He called it a direct attack on his father’s artistic vision, and has the support of Chandigarh’s citizens. Residents rallied behind Anuj on 28 February, many wearing green to showcase their commitment to preservation. They are also determined to protect the legacy of Nek Chand, whose visionary work put Chandigarh on the global art and heritage map.
There have been several similar movements across India where citizens came out on the streets for a cause, including Aravalli Bachao in Haryana, Save Mollem in Goa, and Save Aarey in Mumbai.
Build more Rock Gardens
Nek Chand did not have any formal training in art. But that didn’t stop him from creating a magical place far removed from intimidating galleries. Every day after work, he would retire to his secret garden and create sculptures alone. He is as integral to the city’s history as Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, who conceptualised Chandigarh and roped in architects and planners Pierre Jeanneret, Maxwell Fry, and Jane Drew.
As the Rock Garden expanded, public interest and visitor numbers grew significantly, and Nek Chand’s artwork gained immense recognition worldwide. Sculptures from the garden have been exhibited internationally, from London, Berlin, to Paris, where Nek Chand was honoured with the Grande Médaille de Vermeil. In Washington, he created a small sculpture garden at the Capitol Children’s Museum, for which he was awarded the keys to the city of Baltimore.
Le Corbusier may have envisioned Chandigarh, but Nek Chand gave it that magic touch. He transformed debris into art. Today, recreational spaces in the city are limited to Sukhna Lake, the Rock Garden and some new-age malls. Instead of demolishing what little we have, the administration should be building more such spaces.
The demolition, which occurred following a High Court order issued 21 February, has sparked overwhelming concern for me and many others like me. Progress is essential, but must it come at the cost of our cultural and historical identity?
Chandigarh, despite its modern planning, has a limited cultural heritage compared to older cities. Let’s not dismantle what little we have. This is not a rant against urbanisation or wide roads or parking lots. Every city needs this infrastructure. Let’s just plan them well.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)