HC directs Chandigarh administration to create additional parking facility to ease chaos around Rock Garden

Chandigarh: In a move to ease parking congestion around the Rock Garden, the Punjab and Haryana high court has issued time-bound directions to the Chandigarh administration to develop a dedicated parking facility in the vacant land near the site within 90 days.Acting on the May 27 order of a division bench, the UT engineering department has completed a ground survey and initiated preparation of a detailed layout plan. Initial assessments indicate the space can accommodate around 70–80 cars.Officials said the project will be developed as a ‘green parking’, with no tree felling permitted. “The design will ensure that not a single tree is harmed. Green paver blocks will be laid to maintain ecological balance,” an official said.In its order, a double bench of the high court said, “Learned counsel for UT Administration, with regard to laying of green pavers on the sides and behind the Rock Garden of Chandigarh, for the purpose of parking, submits that the UT Administration is ready and willing to undertake the said exercise but same may not be completed before the onset of monsoon. We, therefore, direct the UT administration, by way of writ of mandamus, to start the process of issuing tenders and thereafter, complete the process within the time frame of 90 days.”

UT sources said the engineering department has hired a private consultant to prepare a feasibility-based plan, keeping in mind optimal land use, smooth traffic circulation, and proper entry and exit points without disturbing existing trees.Though the UT engineering department is yet to finalize the financial estimate for converting the open area into a parking facility, initial assessments suggest the project could cost around Rs 1 crore. A senior officer said based on the feasibility report, the plan is to install green paver blocks across the designated parking zone. “This approach will prevent the area from being fully concretized. The design ensures that significant portions remain green, while also allowing proper water seepage through the surface,” the official added.BOX: Key highlightsCapacity: Space for 70–80 cars in initial planGreen focus: No tree cutting; use of green paver blocksEstimated cost: Around ₹1 crore (tentative)Execution: Private consultant hired for detailed planning