The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is preparing an eight-point development programme to transform Delhi into a sustainable and green city with a central focus on affordable housing, mobility, environment and heritage conservation. The roadmap was discussed at a recent meeting of the DDA advisory council chaired by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu on July three, which examined gaps in housing demand and supply and the proliferation of slums and Jhuggi Jhopri clusters. The council also considered relocation and rehabilitation measures alongside the long pending regularisation and redevelopment of unauthorised colonies.

Officials said the council adopted a four pillar approach aimed at planned growth across housing, mobility, environment and heritage and flagged critical urban challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution, urban flooding and heat islands. Attention was drawn to the deterioration of heritage structures and persistent water shortages that require immediate intervention for orderly development of the city.

On environmental sustainability the strategy emphasises achieving the highest per capita green cover in the country, developing vibrant riverfronts and creating an interconnected green and blue infrastructure network across the city. Plans will target enhancements to open spaces and corridors to improve biodiversity and urban cooling while integrating flood mitigation and water management.

For better quality of life the programme aims to strengthen disaster resilience, ensure water security and make roads safer for all users. To bolster Delhi’s economic and cultural identity the plan envisages reviving business and trade by developing and redeveloping commercial markets and centres, creating modern logistics hubs and leveraging heritage as both an economic and cultural asset.

The council was apprised of spatial plans including transit oriented development covering 207 sq km and more than 200 sq km earmarked under land pooling areas for expansion. Developed residential areas span 700 sq km, low-density zones cover 150 sq km and a riverfront project in Zone O covers 100 sq km. Redevelopment of the Old City is planned over 24 sq km, the Bungalow Zone extends across 31 sq km and a 20 sq km High Density Corridor was identified.