Residents point out major discrepancies in sanctioned drawing and actual demolition

While this drawing shows a small strip of land aligned with the existing wall of the Rock Garden, the work is being done as per a drawing issued in October 2024 by the Chief Architect’s office in which the road has been straightened and part of the wall necessitating a larger scale demolition, than originally sanctioned.

According to a senior architect and a member of the group, there is a huge variance between what was approved, and the much larger land now being used for straightening of the road and creation of additional parking.

The group has demanded an on-site survey by the Forest Department to ascertain the actual number of trees cut or damaged in the process of widening of road from the Udyan Path to the Rock Garden. They have further demanded accountability of the Chief Architect and Chief Engineer in the entire process for preparing drawings and carrying out works in contravention of the rules regarding the green spaces of the city, clearly notified in the Master Plan.

“Our question as citizens is why weren’t other options explored? This wall had the signature of the great artist Nek Chand, today it has been brought down to rubble. It wasn’t just a wall that was torn down but the creative art of an artist was ruined,” Samita Kaur, an environmentalist, said.