In an exciting announcement that signals a bright future for India's capital, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has unveiled plans that will make Lutyens' Delhi both safer and more environmentally sustainable. The civic body is moving forward with an ambitious initiative to install 2,000 CCTV cameras while committing to a complete shift to renewable energy within the next four years.

The Safe City Project represents a significant step forward in urban safety. Vice-chairperson Kuljeet Chahal shared encouraging progress, noting that 82 cameras have already been connected to the Integrated Control and Command Centre, with nearly 700 strategic locations identified for the comprehensive security network. The live feeds will be shared with Delhi police, creating a collaborative approach to keeping residents and visitors safe.

Perhaps even more inspiring is NDMC's commitment to environmental sustainability. By 2028, the council aims to power all its operations entirely through renewable energy—a bold move that demonstrates true climate leadership. This commitment comes even as electricity currently represents 34% of the municipal budget, showing that the council is willing to invest in a cleaner future.

NDMC Chairperson Keshav Chandra presented a financially healthy budget of ₹5,953 crore for 2026–27, with an impressive surplus of ₹143 crore. This marks another year of responsible fiscal management, proving that ambitious environmental and social goals can coexist with sound financial planning.

The council is also breathing new life into the city's cultural landscape. In a historic first, NDMC has created a dedicated department for art and culture, allocating 1% of the total budget to creative initiatives. The new Public Art and Culture Policy includes heartwarming programs like "Art with Heart," creative hubs, and theme-based sculptures that will make the cityscape more vibrant and engaging for everyone.

Heritage lovers have reason to celebrate too. Conservation efforts for the iconic Gole Market building and the Veerangana Museum project are on track for completion by 2027. Several markets, including Super Bazar and areas near Khan Market, will be redeveloped with modern infrastructure, universal accessibility features, and exciting night bazaars that will energize the local economy.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate NDMC's commitment to urban greening through Miyawaki forestry—a technique that creates dense, native forests quickly. Parks near Najaf Khan Road in Lodhi Colony and Sarojini Nagar are already being transformed into lush green spaces that will improve air quality and provide peaceful retreats for city dwellers.

Water quality monitoring is also getting a substantial upgrade. Daily sampling at an expanded network of locations will ensure that any contamination is quickly identified and addressed, protecting public health proactively rather than reactively.

With 11% of the budget dedicated to civic amenities and 8% to sanitation, health, and solid waste management, NDMC is taking a holistic approach to urban living. These comprehensive plans demonstrate how thoughtful governance can create cities that are not just functional, but truly wonderful places to live, work, and visit.