LG Sandhu urges Delhiites to lead capital’s journey towards ‘Viksit Bharat’

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Saturday called on people of Delhi to play a leading role in the country’s journey towards a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, saying the city must strive to become a model of civic pride, safety and excellence.

The Delhi LG hoisted the national flag at Lok Niwas on the 80th Independence Day in the presence of freedom fighters and their families, RWA representatives, students, youth icons and residents, a statement read.

A ceremonial police contingent presented the national salute.

Paying tribute to the freedom fighters and the nation-builders who laid the foundations of modern India, the LG referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort earlier in the day and his vision of “Shakti Ki Saptadhara” — seven streams of strength spanning manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, technology and innovation, Gati Shakti, Raksha Shakti, the green and blue economy, and India’s soft power.

LG Sandhu said the seven areas are equally relevant to Delhi and urged capital residents to help lead the country’s push towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. He said Delhi’s immediate goal should be to build a “Viksit Dilli” that can serve as a national model, featuring better services, safety and civic pride.

Referring to his long association with the city, Sandhu said serving Delhi was more than an administrative responsibility for him, as the capital had been his “karmbhoomi” for the past five decades.

“Every district, street and neighbourhood of Delhi tells its own story,” he said, adding that the city’s potential must be converted into greater convenience, dignity and well-being for its residents. The LG said governance in Delhi should be guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas” and stressed the need for better coordination among the Union government, Delhi government, civic bodies, neighbouring states and citizens.

He identified cleaning the Yamuna, tackling air pollution, housing, affordable healthcare, safety and security, particularly for women and children, traffic management and preservation of Delhi’s heritage as key priorities for the capital. Addressing young people, Sandhu said their energy, ideas and civic sense would shape Delhi’s future and urged them to take greater ownership of public spaces.

He called on residents to keep their neighbourhoods clean, protect public spaces and fulfil their fundamental duties, saying government efforts alone could not ensure that public spaces remained well maintained.

The LG also urged youth, influencers, RWAs, traders and other citizens to contribute positively to the city’s development, stating that a city caring for its weaker sections marks a civilised and forward-looking society.

Sandhu concluded by calling for a collective resolve to make Delhi a premier global capital that balances its heritage with modernity, ensuring that every citizen feels safe, valued and empowered.