(Reissued without photograph)

New Delhi, June 16 (HS): Four new greenfield cities will be developed in the National Capital Region (NCR), and a modern sub-city named 'Namo City' will be built around Delhi. The decision was taken at the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) held on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal and discussed several key issues related to NCR development, environmental protection and public transport.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Manohar Lal said the Regional Plan 2041 would be finalised and implemented within the next two months. He said there would be no change in the existing boundaries of the NCR. Under the plan, one major city in each state will be developed as a greenfield 'Namo Node'. The proposed 'Namo City' around Delhi will be equipped with state-of-the-art urban amenities and improved infrastructure.

He said the NCR covers approximately 55,000 square kilometres and comprises 32 districts. New policies will be introduced to maintain a balance between development and environmental conservation in the region. The meeting also discussed the conservation of the Aravalli region. Existing forests will not be disturbed, and special emphasis will be placed on increasing green cover.

Important decisions were also taken regarding pollution control. It was agreed to phase out BS-I, BS-II and BS-III vehicles and promote BS-VI-compliant vehicles. For this purpose, a 'Parivartan Yojana' will be implemented under which old vehicles will be sent for scrapping and incentives will be provided for the purchase of new vehicles. BS-III vehicles have been in operation since 2010 and are now around 16 years old; therefore, they will be removed from roads in a phased manner.

The meeting also stressed the expansion of Metro and Namo Bharat rail networks to reduce traffic pressure and ensure better connectivity. A proposal was discussed to connect four major NCR cities through the Namo Bharat project, for which a provision of about Rs 5,000 crore has been made.

According to figures presented at the meeting, the current population of the NCR is around 75 million, which could double over the next 15 years. Keeping this in view, long-term plans are being prepared for transport, housing and infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma, Rajasthan Urban Development Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra, along with senior officials and planners.

Manohar Lal said the plan would give a new direction to NCR development and help meet the needs of the region's growing population in the coming years.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar