<P> In his spare time, Nek Chand started collecting materials from demolition sites around the city . He recycled these materials into his own vision of the divine kingdom of Sukrani, choosing a gorge in a forest near Sukhna Lake for his work . The gorge had been designated as a land conservancy, a forest buffer established in 1902 that nothing could be built on . Chand's work was illegal, but he was able to hide it for 18 years before it was discovered by the authorities in 1975 . By this time, it had grown into a 12 - acre (49,000 m) complex of interlinked courtyards, each filled with hundreds of pottery - covered concrete sculptures of dancers, musicians, and animals . </P> <P> His work was in danger of being demolished, but he was able to get public opinion on his side . In 1976 the park was inaugurated as a public space . Nek Chand was given a salary, a title ("Sub-Divisional Engineer, Rock Garden"), and 50 laborers so that he could concentrate full - time on his work . It appeared on an Indian stamp in 1983 . The Rock Garden is still made out of recycled materials . With the government's help, Chand was able to set up collection centers around the city for waste, especially rags and broken ceramics . </P> <P> When Chand left the country on a lecture tour in 1996, the city withdrew its funding, and vandals attacked the park . The Rock Garden Society took over the administration and upkeep of this unique visionary environment . </P> <P> The garden is visited by over 5,000 people daily, with more than 12 million visitors since its inception . </P>

A rock garden sculpture made of broken bangles by nek chand