Urban growth must prioritise environmental sustainability: Manohar Lal

Union Minister for Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, on Friday (July 4, 2025) emphasised that urban development must go hand-in-hand with environmental protection, underscoring the need to keep sustainability at the forefront of progressive initiatives.

Mr. Lal was speaking on the concluding day of the two-day national conference on the “Role of Urban Local Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Democracy and Nation Building,” held in Manesar.

The Minister highlighted the rapid pace of urbanisation in India, stressing that both governments and municipal bodies must increase their responsiveness accordingly. He called for enhanced workforce training and the efficient utilisation of time and resources to tackle emerging urban challenges. Citing data, Mr. Lal noted that the urbanisation rate in India, which stood at 20% in 1970, has risen to 36% today and is projected to reach 50% by 2047.

He also called for urban local bodies to conduct formal House sessions chaired by an elected official, in the manner of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha. This, he said, would help foster transparency and accountability in local governance.

Addressing participants as the chief guest at the event, Mr. Lal urged public representatives from across the country to actively support the strengthening of urban local bodies. He further encouraged the adoption of best practices showcased during the conference, particularly those demonstrated by urban bodies recognised for exemplary work, to enhance the quality of life and infrastructure in cities.

Underlining the importance of financial autonomy, Mr. Lal said that while urban local bodies receive fixed funding from the Centre and State governments, achieving genuine self-reliance must also involve ensuring transparency and accountability in their operations.