Sustainable Urban Development Crucial for Viksit Bharat: Bhupender Yadav

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on Friday emphasised the need for sustainable and climate-resilient urban development, calling upon the real estate sector to adopt energy-efficient designs, circular construction practices, and green buildings.

Addressing the CREDAI National Conclave 2025 in the national capital, the Minister said the real estate sector plays a critical role in nation-building by shaping India’s economic growth, urban future, and quality of life. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah was present as the Chief Guest at the event.

Highlighting India’s goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047, Yadav said city planning and construction must focus on inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth. He underlined that development and environmental protection are complementary and must advance together, with environmental considerations integrated at the earliest stages of planning.

The Minister said the real estate sector has a major impact on energy consumption, water use, waste generation, air quality, and urban heat, making it central to India’s climate commitments, including the Net Zero target by 2070. He added that sustainability is no longer optional but the foundation of future-ready development.

Referring to the growing impact of climate change on cities, Yadav called for climate-resilient urban planning, including flood-resilient layouts, heat-adaptive building materials, enhanced green cover, and sustainable mobility solutions.

The Minister also outlined reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to modernise environmental governance. These 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 stressed that ease of doing business cannot come at the cost of environmental safeguards, nor should environmental protection result in 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, noting that such measures add long-term value for cities and citizens.

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