Rock Garden demolition sparks protests

ENVIRONMENTALISTS, heritage conservationists and residents staged protests on Sunday after the Chandigarh administration began demolishing parts of the iconic Rock Garden, created by Nek Chand.

- HARPREET BAJWA @ Chandigarh

The demolition is part of a road-widening and parking project that also involves cutting down over 200 trees.

The demolition has sparked outrage among the city's residents, who are now planning to form a "Save Chandigarh Society" to oppose the move. The administration's plan is to create additional parking space near the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which requires the destruction of part of the Rock Garden, an area home to trees and peacocks.

The Rock Garden, known for its artistic use of recycled materials, holds significant emotional and cultural value for the residents. They are particularly upset about the cutting of trees around the structure.