The peaceful Sunday morning in Chandigarh was shattered by the distressing news of partial demolition at the renowned Rock Garden. The destruction included a section of the Phase 3 wall and the felling of over 200 mature trees, reportedly to accommodate expanded parking facilities for the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this particular unfortunate incident.
Walls Of Chandigarh’s Iconic Rock Garden Demolished
According to an article that was recently published by The Indian Express or the IE, the community’s response was swift and unified. Concerned citizens, including heritage committee members and activists, gathered near the high court parking area to protest against this.
They viewed it as an assault on their city’s cultural legacy and rightfully so. Local residents expressed profound dismay at the transformation of the area, noting how the absence of the majestic trees had rendered the space unrecognisable.
The timing of the demolition proved particularly poignant, occurring during the birth centenary year of Nek Chand, the Rock Garden’s creator. Legal experts highlighted that the land in question was designated as a notified forest area.
The Local Residents Protested The Loss Of Their Heritage
This raises questions about the legitimacy of the demolition and tree-felling without proper environmental clearances. Critics proposed alternative solutions to the parking issues, such as implementing shuttle services for court visitors and improving public transport infrastructure.
These options show that sacrificing the city’s green heritage is not the only solution. The incident sparked calls for establishing a dedicated society to safeguard Chandigarh’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Environmental concerns also took centre stage, with experts warning about increased noise and vehicular pollution following the removal of trees that served as natural barriers. Former officials and architectural experts pointed out a significant oversight.
Despite its cultural importance, the Rock Garden lacks specific legislative protection, falling only under the General Zone 1 of heritage areas. A number of people see this incident as symptomatic of decision-makers’ disconnection from the city’s historical significance and environmental needs.
What are your thoughts on this particular incident? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @macsarin/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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