Home-cum-tourism secretary Anurag Agarwal said that a budget of Rs 5-6 crore had been earmarked for the project. (Source: Express archives) Home-cum-tourism secretary Anurag Agarwal said that a budget of Rs 5-6 crore had been earmarked for the project. (Source: Express archives)

Vivek Gupta

Nek Chand’s world-famous Rock Garden will now be illuminated at night as the local administration has given its in-principle approval for night lighting of the garden to promote night tourism in the city. The detailed plan of illumination is being conceptualised by Pardeep Kumar Bhagat, principal of College of Architecture, along with his students.

Bhagat told Newsline that his plan was likely to get the final nod within two-three weeks. “Ninety per cent lighting will be done through LED. The illumination is planned in a way that unique artwork and figurines of the garden will be highlighted through special lighting effects so that people get a new experience of Rock Garden during night,” he explained.

Home-cum-tourism secretary Anurag Agarwal said that a budget of Rs 5-6 crore had been earmarked for the project which was likely to be completed within five-six months. Steps had been initiated to make the Rock Garden a special attraction for the tourists and city residents, especially during night.

“Once the work is done, we may allow entry to the garden at least till 10 pm in order to increase the average stay of tourists,” he said.

Agarwal said that expansion of the Rock Garden was also on the cards which was being undertaken by the society managing the Rock Garden. As per their plan, phase 4 of the garden will come up soon with the idea of creating a loop system in the garden so that it has one-way entry and exist system.

“Money for extension is being spent by the Rock Garden Society but if they are found short of funds, the administration is ready to chip in,” said Agarwal.

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