Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav has underlined the importance of sustainable and climate-resilient urban development, calling on the real estate sector to play a transformative role in shaping India’s future cities. Addressing the CREDAI National Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, the Minister stressed that environmentally responsible construction is no longer a choice but a necessity for long-term economic growth and urban well-being.
He highlighted that as India advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, urban planning and construction must prioritise inclusivity, resilience and sustainability. The Minister emphasised that development and environmental protection should not be seen as competing objectives, but as complementary goals that must progress together through early integration of environmental considerations in planning processes.
Real estate sector as a nation-building force
Shri Yadav described the real estate sector as a critical nation-building force that directly influences India’s economic trajectory, urban future and quality of life. He noted that the sector has a significant impact on energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, air quality and the urban heat island effect, making it central to the country’s climate action agenda.
He further pointed out that India’s climate commitments, including achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, cannot be met without active participation from the construction and real estate industry. According to the Minister, sustainability has become the foundation of future-ready development rather than an optional add-on.
Need for climate-resilient urban planning
Drawing attention to the increasing impacts of climate change on Indian cities, Shri Yadav called for climate-resilient urban planning. He underlined the need for flood-resilient layouts, heat-adaptive construction materials, enhanced green cover and sustainable mobility solutions to address rising climate risks.
The Minister indicated that cities must be designed to withstand extreme weather events while ensuring liveability for residents. He stressed that climate resilience should be embedded into building design, infrastructure development and urban governance frameworks.
Government reforms in environmental governance
Shri Yadav outlined several key reforms undertaken by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to modernise environmental governance. These include strengthening environmental clearance mechanisms, promoting digital and technology-driven systems, and adopting a risk-based regulatory approach to balance growth with environmental protection.
He also highlighted flagship initiatives such as Mission LiFE, which encourages sustainable lifestyles, and the Green Credit Programme aimed at incentivising positive environmental actions. Reinforcing air and water quality frameworks in urban areas was identified as another priority to improve public health and environmental outcomes.
Balancing ease of doing business and environmental safeguards
Addressing industry concerns, the Minister assured stakeholders that the government intends to reward compliance and efficiency while taking firm action against violations. He clarified that Ease of Doing Business should not come at the cost of environmental safeguards, nor should environmental protection lead to unnecessary delays for compliant developers.
Shri Yadav encouraged the real estate sector to take the lead in adopting energy-efficient designs, renewable energy solutions, water-positive developments, circular construction practices and green buildings. He noted that such measures not only reduce environmental impact but also create long-term value for cities, investors and citizens.
Partnership with industry for sustainable urbanisation
Appreciating CREDAI’s engagement, the Minister reiterated that industry bodies are key partners in national development. He emphasised the importance of collaborative governance, where policymakers and developers work together to achieve shared sustainability goals.
Concluding his address, Shri Yadav reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable urbanisation, regulatory reform and partnership-driven development. He stated that India’s future cities must be inclusive, resilient and in harmony with nature to ensure lasting prosperity for generations to come.
