A housing ministry spokesperson has encouraged real estate companies to implement sustainable development practices, including the incorporation of green spaces and effective water recycling systems. According to reports from The Economic Times, D Thara, Secretary (Department of Capital Development) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, addressed a real estate conference organized by industry body Assocham, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship. The ministry reassured builders that it is receptive to industry feedback as they work through the master plan's guidelines.
Thara also recommended that real estate companies take advantage of Delhi Master Plan 2047, which was unveiled last month by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal. As reported by The Economic Times, the master plan envisages the development of about 40 lakh new affordable housing units. The secretary assured the industry that the ministry is open to listening to their problems and addressing those concerns related to the master plan implementation.
Expressing concern over flooding in Delhi and Gurugram during monsoon, Thara noted that real estate companies are building ₹100 crore apartments but roads are flooded. According to The Economic Times, she observed that roads get flooded when water and wastes from homes are put on roads, emphasizing the need for proper infrastructure management. The secretary acknowledged the need to improve government infrastructure while asking real estate companies for the scientific basis of their construction approach, stating that "You cannot have buildings and roads and live in a city. You need water and water will not be there if there are no green areas."
Thara suggested that the real estate industry should set up a dedicated company to manage STPs with the help of engineering graduates, as reported by The Economic Times. She noted that RWAs do not have capabilities to manage sewage treatment plants, and emphasized that "Somehow, we are not having that scientific temperament to our work. And you ask government to do everything. Is it possible for government to do everything? Government is not god." The secretary also asked the industry to focus on using green construction materials and urged all industry bodies to join hands to set up research wings for innovation of such products.
According to The Economic Times, Thara informed that the first project has been approved under Delhi's Land Pooling policy and hoped that more land owners will come forward to share their land for infrastructure creation. The secretary urged realty players to "work on water, building materials, safety and your ecosystem responsibility," emphasizing that sustainable development requires a comprehensive approach beyond just construction activities.
