Sustainable Urban Development: Key to a Prosperous India by 2047

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, highlighted the critical need for sustainable and climate-resilient urban development during the CREDAI National Conclave 2025 in New Delhi. The Minister called on the real estate sector to adopt energy-efficient designs, circular construction practices, and green buildings to support India’s vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Addressing the conclave, Yadav underscored the pivotal role of the real estate sector in nation-building. This sector is instrumental in shaping India’s economic growth, urban future, and quality of life. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, who was the Chief Guest, also attended the event.

Yadav emphasized that India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047 necessitates inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. He stressed that development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive but complementary, and that environmental considerations must be integrated at the earliest stages of planning. This holistic approach ensures that urban development is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

The Minister pointed out that the real estate sector has a significant impact on energy consumption, water use, waste generation, air quality, and urban heat. These factors are central to India’s climate commitments, including the Net Zero target by 2070. Yadav stated that sustainability is no longer an option but a fundamental requirement for future-ready development.

Referring to the increasing impact of climate change on cities, Yadav called for climate-resilient urban planning. This includes designing flood-resilient layouts, using heat-adaptive building materials, enhancing green cover, and implementing sustainable mobility solutions. These measures are crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and ensure the resilience of urban areas.

Yadav also outlined the reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to modernize environmental governance. These reforms include strengthening environmental clearance mechanisms, promoting digital and technology-driven systems, adopting a risk-based regulatory approach, advancing Mission LiFE and the Green Credit Programme, and reinforcing air and water quality frameworks in urban areas.

Assuring industry stakeholders, Yadav said the government aims to reward efficiency and compliance while taking firm action against violations. He emphasized that ease of doing business should not come at the cost of environmental safeguards, and environmental protection should not lead to unnecessary delays.

Encouraging the real estate sector to take the lead, the Minister called for greater adoption of renewable energy, water-positive developments, circular construction practices, and green buildings. He noted that such measures add long-term value for cities and citizens, enhancing the quality of life and economic prospects.

Yadav appreciated CREDAI’s role in national development, stating that industry bodies are key partners in achieving sustainable urbanization. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable urbanization, regulatory reform, and collaborative governance to ensure that cities grow in harmony with nature.

In conclusion, Bhupender Yadav’s address at the CREDAI National Conclave 2025 underscores the government’s dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient urban future for India. By integrating environmental considerations into urban planning and development, India can achieve its vision of becoming a prosperous and sustainable nation by 2047.