Union Minister Manohar Lal Inaugurates National Urban Conclave 2025 in New Delhi
Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, officially opened the National Urban Conclave 2025 today at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. This two-day event gathers policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders to discuss “Sustainable Urban Development and Governance” through a series of focused sessions. The conclave aims to foster collaboration and innovation in urban planning, addressing critical issues facing Indian cities.
Inauguration of the ‘Viksit Bharat City’ Exhibition
During the inaugural ceremony, the Union Minister launched the ‘Viksit Bharat City’ exhibition, which embodies the vision of a developed, inclusive, and sustainable Indian city. This exhibition features innovative urban planning models, smart technologies, and citizen-centric infrastructure projects currently being implemented across various Indian cities. The exhibition serves as a platform to showcase advancements in urban development, highlighting efforts to create vibrant and future-ready urban spaces.
The exhibition aims to inspire stakeholders by presenting successful case studies and best practices in urban planning. It emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into urban governance, ensuring that cities can accommodate growing populations while maintaining quality of life. By showcasing these initiatives, the exhibition seeks to encourage further investment and collaboration in urban development across the country.
Launch of the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP)
Shri Manohar Lal also introduced the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP), a year-long initiative designed to expedite the remediation of urban dumpsites throughout India. This program aims to reclaim valuable urban land for community use and infrastructure development, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving “Lakshya Zero Dumpsites” by September 2026.
Currently, 1,428 dumpsites are undergoing remediation, with approximately 80% of legacy waste concentrated in 214 sites across 202 urban local bodies (ULBs). DRAP will prioritize these high-impact locations, addressing around 8.8 crore metric tons of legacy waste. The central government supports this initiative by providing financial assistance to cities, estimating ₹550 per ton for legacy waste remediation. To date, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has allocated ₹4,181 crore for projects worth ₹10,228 crore, benefiting 2,484 ULBs across 28 states and union territories.
Establishment of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Knowledge Management Unit (KMU)
Another significant initiative launched at the conclave is the Swachh Bharat Mission – Knowledge Management Unit (KMU). This unit, established by MoHUA at the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), will serve as a national platform for capacity building, knowledge creation, and institutional learning under the Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban framework. The KMU aims to enhance the effectiveness of urban sanitation initiatives by providing resources and support for best practices in waste management and sanitation.
The establishment of the KMU reflects the government’s commitment to improving urban sanitation and hygiene. By fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders, the unit seeks to empower cities to implement effective sanitation strategies. This initiative is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the overarching goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Introduction of the Urban Invest Window (UiWIN)
The Urban Invest Window (UiWIN) was also launched during the conclave, aimed at facilitating investment in Indian cities. This initiative, developed by HUDCO under the guidance of MoHUA, will serve as a one-stop platform for attracting private investments and providing access to long-term, concessional financing from multilateral institutions such as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
UiWIN is designed to promote public-private partnerships (PPP) in urban projects, accelerating the growth of sustainable infrastructure. By streamlining the investment process, the platform aims to enhance the financial viability of urban development projects, ensuring that cities can meet the demands of their growing populations. This initiative is expected to significantly contribute to the realization of sustainable urban development goals in India. The conclave’s first day featured breakout sessions addressing key topics such as regional planning, transit-oriented development, and capacity building, providing a comprehensive platform for dialogue and collaboration among urban leaders and experts.
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