Delhi’s land and planning authority is preparing to convene its first large-format exhibition dedicated to climate-conscious city building, signalling a shift in how the capital approaches growth, ecology and public space. The two-day event, scheduled for mid-February at a riverfront park in New Delhi, will bring together planners, researchers, businesses and community groups to examine how Indian cities can expand while managing climate and environmental risks.Â
The planned Green Expo Delhi comes at a time when cities across India are confronting hotter summers, erratic rainfall and pressure on water resources. Urban development agencies are increasingly expected to combine housing delivery and infrastructure expansion with ecological safeguards. Officials familiar with the preparations say the expo is intended as a working platform rather than a ceremonial showcase, focusing on deployable ideas for greener neighbourhoods.
Recent riverfront restoration and park projects along the Yamuna have demonstrated how degraded land can be converted into accessible public landscapes. Urban planners note that such interventions can reduce flood vulnerability, improve biodiversity and create recreational space in dense districts where open land is scarce. By hosting the exhibition in a restored green zone, the authority appears to be linking policy discussions with on-ground examples.
According to senior officials involved in city planning, the programme will include technology displays, design case studies and technical sessions on topics such as water-sensitive urban design, native planting and waste management systems. Many of these approaches are being adopted globally to lower urban heat, recharge groundwater and cut maintenance costs over time. For the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the conversation is also economic. Climate-responsive layouts, energy-efficient buildings and well-designed public realms can stabilise property values and reduce long-term operational risks. Investors are increasingly factoring environmental performance into funding decisions, particularly for large townships and transit-linked developments.
The Green Expo Delhi is also expected to facilitate agreements between public agencies and private or academic partners. Sector analysts say structured collaboration can accelerate pilot projects and create standardised models that other cities can replicate. This is especially relevant for mid-sized Indian cities that face similar climate stresses but have fewer technical resources.
Urban policy experts emphasise that people-first planning remains central to climate resilience. Shaded streets, accessible parks and safer pedestrian networks not only support environmental goals but also improve health and liveability. Inclusive design considering children, older residents and persons with disabilities is increasingly viewed as part of sustainable planning rather than a separate agenda.
As Delhi continues to urbanise, the success of such forums will likely be measured by follow-through: updated planning norms, scalable pilot projects and budget commitments for green infrastructure. If these translate into everyday improvements, the capital’s approach could offer a template for balancing growth with environmental responsibility in other rapidly expanding cities.
Delhi hosts Green Expo shaping urban resilience
