'Unplanned urban sprawl' in Delhi, high time it be revamped

People from various parts of India come to Delhi in hope of employment and a better future, leading to an "unplanned urban sprawl", Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in Seoul on Thursday while terming it as a challenge.

Speaking at the International Conference on Urban Regeneration in South Korea's Seoul city, Kejriwal said it is high time this sprawl be revamped with a human face.

"The challenge Delhi faces is that people from various parts of India have tendency to come to the capital city in hope of employment and a better future.

"This has led to an unplanned urban sprawl and it is high time that this be revamped with a human face," the CM was quoted as saying in an official statement.

He said everybody has a right to lead life with dignity and therefore governments must ensure rights of people living in unplanned colonies.

According to the statement, Kejriwal, who along with Health Minister Satyendra Jain is currently in Seoul, also praised the Delhi Metro, saying it has emerged as a very successful mode of public transport over the last 15 years and it is known for its "professionalism and efficiency".

In the past, the chief minister had slammed the Centre over hike in metro fares, claiming it would "kill" the Delhi Metro.

Kejriwal said one of the biggest challenges faced by Delhi and its adjoining areas is air pollution.

"Latest studies show that more than 70 per cent air pollution in Delhi is caused by factors for which the city itself is not responsible," he said.

Delhi also faces a serious solid waste management challenge, he said, adding that he will be happy to suggest the civic bodies to learn the Seoul model of disposal and management of solid waste, he said.

"Delhi is also seriously working on water conservation and management, since in summer months it faces water scarcity as it is dependant on neighbouring states for water," the statement said.

According to the statement, Kejriwal said his government seeks to have cooperation in waste water management and water conservation, since the water demand of a growing city like Delhi will always keep increasing given the scale of its expansion and population influx on a regular basis.