LG Sandhu Urges Shift to Sustainable Urban Growth for Delhi

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

Key Highlights from the Industry Forum

Speaking at an industry forum attended by corporate leaders from northern India, Sandhu emphasized that Delhi’s future success would not be judged solely 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.”

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Current Initiatives and Future Roadmap

He highlighted that current efforts, including mass plantation drives, ecological restoration, and the rejuvenation of public parks, signify a transition toward urban planning that prioritizes 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, referring to the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan under which 101 water bodies are being rejuvenated in the first phase by the government.

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