Delhi’s sustainable urban future took a transformative leap today as Hon’ble Lt Governor V.K. Saxena inaugurated the first-ever DDA Green Expo 2026 at Baansera. Alongside the unveiling of the DDA Greens Logo and DDA Greens Year Book 2026, the two-day expo themed “Beyond Growth: Reimagining Urban Futures” brought together senior policymakers, urban planners, climate experts, and industry leaders to deliberate on Delhi’s ecological priorities.
A Commitment to Green Delhi
In his inaugural address, the Lt Governor emphasized that the expo is not just about exhibits and conferences but about people. “It honours thousands of Delhi residents who nurture small green patches, teach their children about local birds, and plant saplings. They are the everyday heroes of our environmental journey,” he said. He noted that Baansera, once a degraded site, now stands as a testimony to resilience and greening efforts.
Strategic MoUs for Sustainable Urban Development
The highlight of the expo was the signing of several MoUs with leading institutions, redefining the role of DDA parks as dynamic civic platforms:
- National School of Drama (NSD): Parks to host community theatre workshops and children’s theatre programmes.
- University of Delhi: Urban ecological research, student-led fieldwork, and academic engagement in park landscapes.
- Delhi Technological University (DTU): Technology-driven sustainability solutions and youth innovation in park management.
- National Medicinal Plants Board: Herbal gardens and medicinal nurseries to strengthen biodiversity conservation.
- WWF-India: Citizens’ Nature Hubs at Asita to promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
- Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA): Knowledge partnership for sustainable urban planning and heritage-sensitive interventions.
DDA Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar highlighted that beyond being a planner and regulator, DDA is Delhi’s “Environmental Trustee”, accountable for safeguarding the city’s ecological future.
Expo Highlights
The expo features panel discussions and expert sessions on pressing urban challenges including:
- Extreme heat and flood resilience
- Nature-based infrastructure
- Circular food systems
- Innovative financing for green cities
Senior policymakers will deliberate on “Designing for Climate-Responsive Cities”, focusing on energy-efficient urban design and resilient infrastructure.
Towards a Greener Future
Through collaborations and citizen engagement, DDA Greens are set to evolve into living laboratories—spaces for ecology, culture, innovation, and community life. The expo signals Delhi’s commitment to balancing development with ecological conservation and building a greener, healthier, and more hopeful future.
