Padma Shri-awardee Nek Chand, creator of the internationally acclaimed Rock Garden in Chandigarh, passed away at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in the city at 12:15 am on Friday.
The renowned personality, who was 90, was being treated for ailments pertaining to the kidney, heart and other organs in a private hospital in the city.
Reports also suggest he was diagnosed with cancer.
He was shifted to PGIMER after his condition deteriorated on Thursday.
His son, Anuj Saini, who had supported his father in maintaining the Rock Garden, and his UK-based daughter, were by his side when he passed away on Friday.
His iconic creation, the Rock Garden, was built painstakingly over decades from waste, scrapped, unused and thrown-away household materials.
The Chandigarh administration declared a holiday on Friday as a tribute to Nek Chand for his unmatched contribution to the city. His mortal remains were kept at the Rock Garden on Friday. People in large numbers paid floral tribute to him.
Nek Chand's last rites will be performed on Saturday.
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