Residents see red over green cover loss at Rock Garden

City residents and environmental activists gathered near the city's iconic Rock Garden to protest on the lines of ‘Chipko Movement’ against the recent administrative actions affecting the area's green spaces. Participants symbolically embraced trees, underscoring their commitment to preserving the city's environmental and cultural heritage.

The protest was organised by the Saving Chandigarh, a citizens’ group, in response to the demolition of a section of the Rock Garden's boundary wall and the planned cutting of trees for widening a road and expanding parking near the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The UT Administration has stated that these steps are necessary to ease traffic congestion in the area. However, residents fear that such actions threaten the integrity of the garden and the surrounding forested areas.

Anjali Puri, a nature lover and member of the group, expressed her deep connection to the cause. She said, "The trees have been calling out to me for a year now. As conscious citizens, we have to save the green

cover now.”

Activist Samita Kaur emphasised the need for development that harmonises with nature. "Trees need to be grown, not removed. We must find ways to meet urban needs without disturbing trees and animals,” she asserted.

Architect Deepika Gandhi voiced concerns about the broader implications of the demolition, warning that it could set a precedent for further encroachments into forested and green areas in the city.

The protest also saw participation of members of the Panjab University unit of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, including Jaswinder Rana, a member of the PU Campus Student Council.

The protest underscored a growing public sentiment favouring sustainable development that respects both environmental and cultural landmarks. The Saving Chandigarh group hoped that the demonstration today would prompt authorities to explore alternative solutions that do not compromise with the city's green cover.