The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is not just an artistic marvel—it is a symbol of creativity, sustainability, and resilience. Built by Nek Chand Saini, a visionary who transformed discarded materials into an internationally renowned masterpiece, the garden represents India’s ingenuity and commitment to environmental responsibility.

Yet today, this irreplaceable treasure faces the threat of partial demolition to make way for a parking lot for the Punjab and Haryana High Court. If we do not act now, we will lose not only a significant piece of our cultural heritage but also a crucial green space that supports the city’s ecological balance.

New Developments: What’s Happening Now?

 • Over 6,400 people have signed this petition in just a few days.

 • A massive public protest was held on February 27, bringing together citizens, artists, environmentalists, and heritage activists.

 • Several leading news outlets have covered this issue, further amplifying public support.

 • Influential voices, including journalists, former judges, environmentalists, and urban planners, have spoken out against the decision.

Destruction of Decades-Old Trees

In addition to the demolition, many trees, some decades old—have been cut down to make way for parking space. These trees were part of Chandigarh’s green heritage, contributing to air purification, biodiversity, and the city’s unique landscape. Cutting them down not only affects the local ecosystem but also contradicts global and national efforts to combat climate change and urban pollution.

Alternative Solutions Were Ignored

The government had other options that could have accommodated parking needs without damaging the Rock Garden or cutting down trees. For instance:

 • A multi-level parking structure could have been built near the High Court, utilizing vertical space instead of encroaching on natural and heritage areas.

 • Shuttle services or designated remote parking zones could have eased congestion without requiring tree felling or demolition.

 • Sustainable urban planning could have found creative ways to balance development with conservation—Chandigarh, a city known for its planned architecture, deserved better solutions.

These alternative options would have ensured that modernization and conservation go hand in hand. Instead, the decision to destroy a historic site was taken without sufficient public consultation or environmental consideration.

Our Call to Action

This is not the first time the people of Chandigarh have stood up to save the Rock Garden. In 1989, thousands of residents formed a human chain, successfully halting demolition efforts. Now, history calls upon us again to defend what is rightfully ours.

We demand:

 • Immediate cessation of all demolition activities in and around the Rock Garden and its forested surroundings.

 • A comprehensive restoration plan, with government funding allocated to enhance and expand the Rock Garden rather than destroy it.

 • Recognition of the Rock Garden as a protected national heritage site, preventing any future encroachments or developments that threaten its integrity.

 • Environmental preservation measures, ensuring the surrounding forest area remains untouched and continues to support local biodiversity.

Let us stand together to protect the Rock Garden, for ourselves, for our children, and for generations to come.

SIGN NOW. SPEAK UP. SAVE OUR LEGACY.