Interesting facts

1. The Rock Garden was built secretly by a single man: Nek Chand Saini. 2. Nek Chand worked as a roads inspector for the Public Works Department in Chandigarh. 3. He began clearing a patch of jungle in 1957 to build his hidden sanctuary. 4. The garden was constructed entirely from industrial and home waste and discarded items. 5. The site remained undiscovered by city authorities for 18 years. 6. When discovered in 1975, the complex had grown to a massive 12-acre interconnected courtyard. 7. It was built on a gorge in a forest near Sukhna Lake, an area originally designated as a land conservancy where building was strictly forbidden. 8. The park faced the threat of demolition upon discovery, but intense public support saved it. 9. It was officially inaugurated as a public space in 1976. 10. Following its legalization, Nek Chand was given the official title of "Sub-Divisional Engineer, Rock Garden" and a salary to continue his work. 11. The garden currently spreads over 40 acres of land. 12. It features thousands of animal, human, and divine sculptures. 13. Sculptures are made from broken bangles, ceramic pots, sinks, electrical waste, and glass. 14. The garden is divided into three distinct phases, each with its own theme. 15. Phase 3 features a grand courtyard with massive swings (jhoolas) hanging beneath high concrete arches. 16. It includes an open-air theater that is regularly used for cultural performances and festivals. 17. A dedicated Doll Museum was added, showcasing dolls made from rag cloth by Nek Chand. 18. The Nek Chand Foundation was established in London in 1997 to raise funds and volunteer support for the garden. 19. Nek Chand passed away in 2015, but his work is continuously preserved by the city and volunteers. 20. Today, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in India, second only to the Taj Mahal by some estimates.