Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta’s Statement at the 42nd Meeting of the NCR Planning Board

States must make concerted efforts for balanced development of the NCR: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

Focus on strengthening regional connectivity, public services and development projects

Calls for a common strategy to curb pollution and expand green cover

New Delhi, June 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta has said that all states associated with the National Capital Region (NCR) must work together through sustained and serious efforts to ensure its holistic and balanced development and provide better facilities to residents. She said the pace of regional development can be accelerated only through a coordinated approach, enabling the benefits of growth to reach every part of the NCR.

The Chief Minister made these remarks on Tuesday at the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB), chaired by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal. The meeting was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini and senior representatives from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Speaking about the meeting, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said all the concerned states must work jointly to provide adequate and quality services to people across the NCR, ensuring balanced development and an improved quality of life for citizens. She said the Delhi Government continues to prioritise the expansion of public facilities and development works. Similarly, other NCR states must also make serious efforts towards development so that the growing population pressure on Delhi can be reduced and regional balance can be achieved.

The meeting featured detailed discussions on strengthening institutional coordination among Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, improving regional transport and connectivity, accelerating the implementation of development projects, and addressing other key issues related to the NCR. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said it is encouraging that transport and connectivity infrastructure across the NCR is expanding continuously, making travel more convenient for people. She stressed that all states must continue working together to ensure that no part of the NCR remains deprived of better connectivity.

The Chief Minister said that, apart from Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan currently have like-minded governments that are working in better coordination and giving priority to public welfare, state interests and development. As a result, the implementation of various development schemes has gathered pace and coordination among the states has become more effective than before. The common priority of all four states, she said, is the overall development of the NCR and the provision of better facilities for its residents.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the issue of rising pollution in the NCR, describing it as a serious and shared challenge. She said all four states would need to undertake long-term and concrete efforts together to address the problem effectively. If all states adopt a common policy, modern technology and appropriate resources for pollution control in a coordinated manner, the problem can be tackled more effectively. She said the issue is crucial not only for the present generation but also for the health and future of generations to come.

Reiterating her commitment to increasing green cover across the NCR, CM Rekha Gupta said large-scale plantation drives and greenery enhancement programmes should continue on a sustained basis to help control pollution and ensure a healthy environment. She stressed the need to work closely with environmental organisations, experts and other stakeholders so that the NCR can become a cleaner, greener and environmentally balanced region.