IndiaPosted at: Oct 30 2026 7:19PM


Decisions on land, housing & infra should be guided by public interest, fairness & transparency: Delhi LG

New Delhi, Oct 30 (UNI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Sandhu has emphasized that urban planning is fundamentally about improving the way people live, and that the quality of a city is reflected in the ease with which its residents can access housing, travel to work, use public spaces and obtain essential services.
LG Sandhu on Friday addressed a seminar for Young Planners, to commemorate World Habitat Day, World Cities Day and World Town Planning Day. Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s observation that urban planning will determine the fate of Indian cities in Amrit Kaal, he noted that the decisions taken by planners today will shape the opportunities and quality of life available to future generations.
Pointing at rapid urbanisation, Sandhu said that it places pressure on land, housing, transport, water and public infrastructure, and the task of planning is to manage this growth while protecting the interests of communities.
Turning to Delhi, the LG said the national capital, with its rich historical legacy, 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, with natural drainage systems protected and climate resilience built into new developments.
On mobility, he said the focus must remain 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.
LG said that tools such as Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, digital mapping and urban analytics can support evidence-based decisions, but technology must always be guided by professional judgement, local knowledge and a clear understanding of public needs.
He encouraged the young planners to study cities by directly engaging with people who live and work there, and stressed that decisions concerning land, housing and infrastructure shape communities for generations and must be guided by evidence, fairness, transparency and the public interest.
The LG also noted the role of the Institute of Town Planners, India(ITPI) in advancing the planning profession and its engagement with the School of Planning and Architecture, the Centre for Science and Environment and other knowledge partners.
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Tags: #Decisions on land# housing & infra should be guided by public interest# fairness & transparency: Delhi LG
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