The Union Ministry of Culture has clarified that no monument in Chandigarh has been recognised as a monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
The ministry made this statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday in response to a written question by Member of Parliament Manish Tewari.
Chandigarh is also not listed as a heritage city, nor has it received any state-level heritage status under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
Protests over Rock Garden demolition
The government’s statement comes amid ongoing protests in Chandigarh following the demolition of a wall at the iconic Rock Garden.
The demolition, reportedly carried out on the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has sparked criticism from heritage activists and local residents. Many argue that the Rock Garden, created by artist Nek Chand, is a key part of Chandigarh’s artistic and cultural identity and deserves official heritage status.
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No legal protection for Chandigarh’s architecture
The ministry also pointed out that while Chandigarh was the capital of undivided Punjab until 1966, no local monuments, archaeological sites, or ancient remains in the Union Territory have been granted protected status under state laws.
This is despite Chandigarh’s global recognition for modernist architecture, particularly the Capitol Complex, designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex has received a special UNESCO recognition, but the ministry clarified that this is a non-statutory status and does not provide legal protection under Indian law.
MP questions Chandigarh’s heritage claims
MP Manish Tewari had asked the government why Chandigarh has no official heritage designation. In response, the government acknowledged the city's architectural significance but reiterated that no formal legal measures have been taken to protect any monuments within the city.
Tewari also questioned whether the government and Chandigarh administration were misleading the public by promoting the city’s heritage status without any legal recognition. This statement has sparked further debate on the need for stronger heritage protection laws for Chandigarh’s iconic landmarks and architecture.
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