Unfinished tasks cast shadow as Chandigarh marks Nek Chand’s 101st birth anniversary

Chandigarh is all set to mark the 101st birth anniversary of Padma Shri recipient Nek Chand, the creator of the world-famous Rock Garden, on December 15, but the event has also revived a poignant question: Why does much of his final vision still remain unfinished decades after his death?

The UT Administration is organising a three-day programme at the Rock Garden from December 13 to 15, with tributes, folk performances and musical evenings to remember the legendary artist who transformed industrial waste into one of the world’s most distinctive sculpture gardens. While the celebrations drew visitors and artistes from across the country, Nek Chand’s son Anuj Saini said the true homage to his father would be to complete the works he could not finish in his lifetime.

“Nek Chand ji had clear plans and a very strong concept for the Rock Garden, especially its third phase, the museum and the exit passage. Just celebrating his birthday is not enough. Completing his unfinished work strictly as per his vision would be the real tribute,” Saini said, while speaking to The Tribune, at Rock Garden on Sunday.

He pointed out that large parts of Phase III were left incomplete, even though more than half the paths and structures were ready. The artwork meant to bind these spaces together was never executed, forcing visitors to retrace their steps while exiting. The proposed museum, where Nek Chand wanted to display his personal belongings and awards, also remains incomplete. His bicycle, a symbol of his simple life and tireless work ethic, lies exposed and rusting.

Saini recalled that during Nek Chand’s lifetime, attempts were once made to alter his sculptures, but the then UT Adviser KK Sharma backed the artist unequivocally, insisting that nothing should proceed without his approval. “That same respect for his vision is needed today. Renovation, strengthening and repair are possible, but the concept must not be diluted,” he said, adding that administrative reports claiming the work cannot be completed have stalled progress.

The anniversary also reignited demands for granting the Rock Garden UNESCO World Heritage status, on the lines of Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex. However, Saini cautioned that the unfinished works must be completed first. “If UNESCO status comes prematurely, everything will get frozen and the work will never happen. Finish his work first, then go for the tag,” he said.

Speaking to The Tribune, the experts and former officials echoed concerns about the long-term protection of the Rock Garden, which, despite its global fame, lacks independent legal heritage status.

Deepika Gandhi, former Director of the Le Corbusier Centre, said the garden needed comprehensive legal protection backed by a single, clear management document. “We need detailed SOPs for maintenance, repair, tourism management and environmental control. Musical nights alone cannot preserve such fragile, experimental structures. Once they crumble, they are impossible to recreate,” she said, stressing the need for a technically competent, multidisciplinary team.

Former UT Chief Architect Sumit Kaur traced the Rock Garden’s journey from being considered illegal under Le Corbusier’s original Master Plan to gaining statutory recognition in the Chandigarh Master Plan 2031. “It has world stature and deserves UNESCO World Heritage status. But since the creative force behind it is no longer there, a strong mechanism is essential to safeguard its materials, manage development around it and prevent irreversible damage,” she said, recalling her professional association with Nek Chand and the regular reviews held during his lifetime.

Architect and academician Rajnish Wattas said the Rock Garden defines Chandigarh’s cultural identity more powerfully than any other garden in the city. “Internationally, figures like Antoni Gaudí are celebrated and protected. The Rock Garden is equally unique, rooted in folk tradition and rugged landscapes. It deserves national or global heritage status to give it the prestige it merits,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said the Administration is committed to preserving the Rock Garden as one of the world’s most unique sculpture gardens. “We are fully committed to proper upkeep of the existing creation and to completing the unfinished works as per the original plans and vision of its creator, Nek Chand, in consultation with all stakeholders and experts, and strictly in line with statutory provisions,” he told The Tribune.

Created secretly by Nek Chand from 1957 using broken bangles, tiles, bottles and industrial waste, the 35-acre Rock Garden has grown into a surreal landscape of courtyards, waterfalls, sculptures and pathways imagined as a lost kingdom. As Chandigarh celebrates the man behind this wonder on his 101st birth anniversary, the unfinished paths, incomplete museum and rusting bicycle stand as reminders that his legacy still awaits completion.

Incomplete Job

Phase-III to be built strictly as per Nek Chand’s original concept

The Rock Garden Museum to display his belongings and awards

Construction of the planned exit passage to ensure smooth visitor movement