Delhi’s population growth rate has declined in the last decade and the National Capital Region (NCR) witnessed another expansion on Monday with the inclusion of two Haryana districts Jind and Karnal.
Based on requests from the Haryana Government, NCRPB approved the inclusion of adjoining districts of Jind and Karnal in NCR zone, Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath said after the NCRPB meeting. This takes the total number of cities in NCR zone to 21.
The move aims to ease Delhi’s burden as with inclusion of these districts in NCR means more fund for development of infrastructure such as roads, public transport, sewer, health facilities, education and rapid connectivity with the national capital. Nath said the expansion of the NCR would help dispersal of economic activities and reduce pressure on the national Capital city’s health, educational and economic infrastructure. Thanking NCRPB for inclusion of Jind and Karnal, Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said “issues of sewage and solid waste management was discussed at the meeting. It has been decided that Haryana will be seeking assistance for the setting up a sewerage treatment plant and solid waste management system from the Board for the towns and bigger villages in the area.”
“The population growth rate of Delhi has decreased from 47 per cent in 1991-2001 to 21.2 per cent during the last decade 2001-11 and this proves that the aim and objectives of setting up the NCRPB are on their way to being achieved,” Nath said. During the last two years and in the current year, NCRPB has approved about `2,252 crore for 42 new infrastructure development projects and released financial assistance of `1,362 crore for ongoing and new projects.
Referring to the need for faster mode of transportation between NCR cities, Nath said the Union Cabinet has approved the setting up of National Capital Region Transport Corporation which will design construct, operate and maintain the Regional Rapid Transit System projects. “The company has already been incorporated under the Companies Act with an initial equity capital of `100 crore, Nath said adding “Haryana and NCRPB have already released their equity shares.”