Delhi must become model city for balancing urban growth with sustainability: LG

New Delhi: Lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu Friday called for a major shift in the capital’s development strategy, saying Delhi must move beyond “concrete expansion” and emerge as a model of sustainable and inclusive urban growth in alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Speaking at an industry forum attended by corporate leaders from northern India, Sandhu said Delhi’s future success would not be judged only by its infrastructure but by its liveability, environmental sustainability and quality of life.

“The future identity of global cities will be shaped by how effectively they balance development with environmental responsibility,” Sandhu stated, identifying Delhi’s green belt, biodiversity zones, and the Yamuna floodplains as the city’s vital “legacy narratives.”

He highlighted that current efforts, including mass plantation drives, ecological restoration and the rejuvenation of public parks, signify a transition toward urban planning that prioritises public health, heat mitigation, and climate resilience over unchecked growth.

“Protecting and expanding green spaces is essential for tackling rising temperatures, improving public health and strengthening the city’s resilience against climate change,” the LG said while referring to the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan under which 101 water bodies are being rejuvenated in the first phase by the govt.

He also outlined a roadmap for addressing challenges arising from rapid urbanisation, increasing housing demand and pressure on infrastructure. The proposed strategy is focused on expanding renewable energy, promoting rooftop solar projects, developing electric vehicle infrastructure and climate-resilient planning practices.