Growing population most critical challenge for Delhi: Hardeep Puri

NEW DELHI: Delhi is facing several challenges, with the pressure of growing population being the most critical one, said Union Minister Hardeep Singh, Puri on Friday, while laying the foundation for a flyover-cum-rail over bridge (ROB) at Narela here, constructed by Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

"Nowadays, Delhi is facing several challenges and the most critical challenge is population pressure. In 1947, the population of Delhi was less than 10 lakh, and according to the census of 2016, it has gone to 190 lakh.

"As per the Master Plan 2021, it will reach a figure of 2.30 crore," said Puri.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs said Delhi faces traffic congestion all the time and the Centre is taking several steps for decongestion, with construction of the flyover being one of those steps.

"This flyover would cater to around 16 lakh commuters daily," Puri said, adding that as the DDA Land Pooling Policy is ready for rollout, there will be increased construction activities leading to increase in vehicular traffic.

Supporting his statements, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal said, "In 1970, the population of Delhi was 25 lakh and now it has reached to 2.25 crore. There is all around traffic congestion at all the times. Delhi's population is increasing at the ratio of 2.5 per cent per annum of its existing population, whereas the increase in vehicles is 5 per cent per annum of the number of existing vehicles."