Protest Over Wall Demolition: Did It on HC's Direction? UT

Over 50 trees cut to widen road; move insensitive, says ex-chief justice of Allahabad high court

- HT Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: A day after the Chandigarh administration demolished a section of the Rock Garden wall and felled over 50 trees on either side, residents staged a protest at the site, raising slogans against the authorities. In response, the administration clarified that the action was carried out in compliance with directions from the Punjab and Haryana high court (HC) for a road-widening project.

The move aims to address traffic congestion caused by the protruding corner of the Rock Garden near the multi-level parking facility, which has been impacting traffic flow, particularly near the HC. The wall is being removed as part of a road-widening project and creation of additional parking space along the HC road adjacent to the Rock Garden.

Anuj Saini, son of Rock Garden creator Nek Chand, said, "This is the gate through which my father used to enter the Rock Garden when he lived there for nearly three years. It is heartbreaking to see the administration dismantling this space, which was built with immense love and dedication."