The state of India’s urban centers is reaching a critical juncture. With green spaces in cities like Mumbai and Delhi reduced to a mere 3%, compared to 30% in cities like London, the need for sustainable urban planning has never been more urgent. The alarming environmental degradation threatens not just the quality of life but also shortens life expectancy by five years. The question remains: how can India’s rapid infrastructure development be balanced with the need for sustainability?
Ashish Kukreja, CEO and Founder of Homesfy, India’s first listed real estate brokerage firm, addressed these pressing concerns in a recent episode of the “What India Needs!” podcast with media entrepreneur and author Shutapa Paul. The discussion revolved around smarter urban planning, the importance of green spaces, and the role of sustainable development in shaping India’s future.
“The world is watching India closely,” Kukreja remarked, referring to the nation’s ambitious $1.4 trillion infrastructure development plan. With ₹10 lakh crore allocated in the Union Budget 2023-24, the government’s commitment to infrastructure growth is evident. However, Kukreja warned, “Infrastructure accounts for nearly a quarter of carbon emissions. Without smarter planning, we risk repeating mistakes made by other nations.”
Shutapa Paul emphasized the collective responsibility in this transformation, stating, “I firmly believe that not everything should be provided by the government. As citizens, consumers, and individuals, we must demand the inclusion of green spaces, open spaces, and public spaces in our urban environments. It’s essential for our collective well-being and the future of our cities.”
Kukreja highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships, policy frameworks, and meticulous planning to overcome the challenges posed by rapid urbanization. “With the world closely observing India’s progress, our ability to integrate advanced technologies and green infrastructure can set a global benchmark,” he added.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here:
Discussing the potential of green building technologies and renewable energy, Kukreja projected that India could reduce its carbon footprint from infrastructure by up to 35% by 2030. He also stressed the need for decentralizing development to foster thriving commercial and residential hubs beyond the six major cities.
The scarcity of green spaces in Indian metros is a pressing issue. “A city with such minimal green cover isn’t just inconvenient; it’s unliveable,” Kukreja noted. He called on both citizens and governments to demand higher standards for public spaces, sustainable construction, and stricter accountability for developers. Despite acknowledging the initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission, Kukreja pointed out that achieving even modest targets like 8-9% green coverage would require robust public-private partnerships and community advocacy.
From education to accessible housing, Kukreja emphasized the importance of planning for the next generation. “We’re not just building for today but for decades ahead. This requires intent, continuity in policies, and swift execution—elements often missing in our governance,” he said.
Kukreja praised Tier-2 cities like Indore and Surat for leading the way in adopting sustainable practices. “The future of India lies not just in its metros but in empowering smaller cities to emerge as economic and sustainable powerhouses,” he remarked. “The first phase of growth is always centered around the top 7-10 cities, where 60-70% of the business comes from. Currently, we are (Homesfy Realty) present in five of them, and in the next couple of years, we aim to expand into Tier-2 cities to tap into emerging opportunities.”
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