Real Estate Sector Crucial for Sustainable Urban Development in India
New Delhi, Dec 19 (UNI) Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, speaking at the Confederation of Real Estate Developer Associations of India (CREDAI) National Conclave 2025, stressed the importance of the real estate sector in achieving sustainable urban development. The minister emphasized that the sector will play a decisive role in determining whether India's cities grow sustainably as the country moves towards its 2047 development goals.
Addressing the conclave, Yadav cautioned that the ease of doing business should not come at the cost of environmental safeguards. He highlighted that urban planning and construction must prioritize inclusion, resilience, and environmental sustainability, especially as climate risks intensify in Indian cities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the event as the chief guest.
Yadav argued that development and environmental protection should not be seen as competing objectives but as processes that must advance together. He stressed that environmental considerations need to be integrated into projects at the planning stage rather than being addressed later through regulatory compliance. The minister pointed to the real estate sector's significant impact on energy consumption, water use, waste generation, air quality, and urban heat, emphasizing that construction and housing will be central to India's climate commitments, including the net zero emissions target for 2070.
Sustainability, Yadav noted, has shifted from being a voluntary add-on to a core requirement for future urban growth. Referring to recent climate-related stresses on cities, he called for the adoption of climate-resilient urban design. This includes flood-resilient layouts, heat-adaptive building materials, greater green cover, and improved public and sustainable transport systems.
The minister also outlined reforms undertaken by the environment ministry to streamline environmental governance, such as the digitalization of clearance processes, the adoption of a risk-based regulatory framework, and initiatives like Mission LiFE and the Green Credit Programme. Strengthening air and water quality regulation in urban areas remains a priority, he said. While assuring industry stakeholders that compliant projects would be supported, Yadav warned that violations would be dealt with firmly.
Yadav emphasized that environmental protection should not lead to unnecessary delays, but neither should regulatory relaxation undermine safeguards. He urged developers to adopt energy-efficient designs, renewable energy, water-positive projects, and circular construction practices. Such measures, he argued, would deliver long-term benefits for cities and residents alike.
The CREDAI National Conclave 2025 brought together key stakeholders from the real estate sector to discuss and strategize on sustainable urban development. The conclave provided a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to share insights and best practices, aiming to create a roadmap for a greener and more resilient urban future in India.
The Confederation of Real Estate Developer Associations of India (CREDAI) is a leading national organization representing real estate developers in India. It plays a crucial role in advocating for policies and practices that promote sustainable and inclusive urban development. CREDAI's initiatives and collaborations with government bodies and industry partners are vital in shaping the future of India's urban landscape.
In conclusion, the real estate sector's role in sustainable urban development cannot be overstated. By prioritizing environmental sustainability, resilience, and inclusion, the sector can contribute significantly to India's vision of sustainable cities by 2047.
