Delhi must be viewed and planned as part of NCR: LG Sandhu

Delhi must be planned as part of the wider National Capital Region (NCR), Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu said on Friday, pointing out that housing, transport, water and environmental concerns extend beyond administrative boundaries.

Addressing young planners, Sandhu emphasised that people must remain at the heart of urban planning. Urban water management, mobility and affordable housing call for a long-term, integrated approach to planning, he stated at a seminar to commemorate World Habitat Day, World Cities Day and World Town Planning Day.

Talking about Delhi, the lieutenant governor said that with its rich historical legacy, the city must preserve its character while responding to the needs of a growing metropolitan population, which requires careful planning and effective coordination.

He emphasised that Delhi must be viewed within the wider National Capital Region, with coordination among agencies and neighbouring jurisdictions, and with land-use planning aligned to transport infrastructure.

Highlighting three areas, Sandhu said urban water management must bring together drainage, rainwater harvesting, conservation of water bodies and responsible land use.

Urban mobility, he said, must focus on safer, more convenient and more efficient everyday journeys, with streets and transport facilities responding to the needs of women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

On affordable housing, he said the quality, location and connectivity of homes are as important as their number, and must be linked with access to employment, transport, schools and healthcare.