Delhi must balance growth with sustainability to become model city for ‘Viksit Bharat’: L-G Sandhu

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has called for a fundamental shift in the Capital’s development model, urging stakeholders to move beyond traditional concrete-led expansion and focus on sustainable, inclusive and environmentally resilient urban growth.

Addressing an industry forum attended by corporate leaders from northern India, Sandhu said Delhi’s future competitiveness would be determined not by its skyline alone but by its liveability, connectivity and ecological resilience. He stressed that green belts, biodiversity zones, ridge areas and the Yamuna floodplains should form the foundation of Delhi’s future urban identity.

The L-G highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan, aimed at rejuvenating 101 water bodies, as part of a broader effort to integrate ecological restoration into urban planning. He also outlined a roadmap focused on renewable energy, rooftop solar expansion, EV infrastructure, treated water reuse, waste-to-energy systems and AI-driven governance.

Emphasising citizen participation, Sandhu called for greater involvement of Resident Welfare Associations, schools and community groups in maintaining parks and green spaces, saying sustainability could not be achieved through government action alone.

He also urged industry leaders to invest in skilling, innovation and enterprise development to harness India’s demographic dividend. Stressing the need for government-industry collaboration, Sandhu proposed regular consultations and expert roundtables to ensure long-term policy continuity.

The L-G said Delhi must emerge as a model city for ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, where growth was measured by quality of life, sustainability and environmental responsibility.