Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu of Delhi has outlined the five crucial pillars for the city’s future development, emphasizing sustainability, inclusion, culture, innovation, economic growth, and compassion. Speaking at a felicitation event at JNU’s School of International Studies, he stressed the importance of governance being responsive, accessible, and humane. Sandhu highlighted key issues such as air pollution, cleaning the Yamuna River, rejuvenating water bodies, waste management, sustainable mobility, and enhancing green cover for Delhi’s urban vision.
Sandhu expressed the need for restoring the Yamuna River as a vibrant ecological and cultural lifeline for the city, not just cleaning it. He also emphasized the significance of public transport systems, electric mobility, pedestrian-friendly streets, cycling infrastructure, and integrated urban planning in shaping Delhi’s future transformation. The Lieutenant Governor called for a shift towards long-term ecological planning rather than reactive measures, underscoring the importance of inclusive growth and development where benefits are shared and opportunities are accessible to all.
Urban development in Delhi should not only focus on physical infrastructure but also strengthen social infrastructure, including healthcare, education, safety, accessibility, and dignity, according to Sandhu. He advocated for the integration of technology and governance to create transparent, efficient, and citizen-friendly systems. Sandhu highlighted Delhi’s rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the need to preserve and strengthen the city’s cultural identity as it modernizes. He proposed investments in museums, public art, creative industries, cultural tourism, heritage restoration, and community spaces to actively promote and preserve the city’s culture.
Sandhu underscored the importance of innovation and economic growth, envisioning Delhi as a leading center for knowledge, startups, tourism, hospitality, the creative economy, and the wider service sector, not just an administrative capital.
