NCR's 2041 Vision: Four New Namo Cities and PARIVARTAN Scheme Planned

NCR in 2041: What’s Changing? From Namo Cities to the PARIVARTAN Scheme, Here’s Everything You Need to Know

The National Capital Region (NCR) is set for significant changes by 2041, with plans to address its growing population and development needs. Key proposals include the creation of four new "Namo Cities," the PARIVARTAN scheme to curb vehicular pollution, increasing green cover, and enhancing the transportation network. Notably, the NCR’s existing boundaries will remain unchanged. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s in store.

Why is the Regional Plan-2041 Important?
The NCR currently spans approximately 55,000 square kilometers and includes 32 districts across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. With a population of 7.86 crore today, it is projected to nearly double to 14.73 crore by 2041. This growth necessitates massive upgrades in housing, transportation, and cricket-matches-to-kalaburagi" class="nd-inline-link">infrastructure to accommodate an additional 7 crore people. The Regional Plan-2041 aims to address these challenges.

What Are Namo Cities?
Four new semi-greenfield cities, dubbed "Namo Cities," will be developed along the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors. These cities aim to reduce population pressure on Delhi by creating new urban hubs with modern amenities, including housing, transportation, green spaces, and water facilities.

The Namo Bharat RRTS is a high-speed transit system connecting Delhi with key NCR cities. The first corridor, the Delhi-Meerut route, spans 82 kilometers and links Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan station to Meerut’s Modipuram. Trains on this route can travel at speeds of up to 180 km/h, connecting urban centers like Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, and Modinagar.

To ensure the best outcomes, the selection of Namo Cities will follow a competitive process, with proposals invited from all four NCR states. The NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) has proposed a ₹5,000 crore incentive package for their development, including ₹1,000 crore in grants.

What is the PARIVARTAN Scheme?
Vehicular emissions account for about 40% of NCR’s total pollution, with buses and trucks being major contributors. To tackle this, the PARIVARTAN scheme focuses on phasing out older vehicles and promoting cleaner alternatives like BS-VI, CNG, and electric vehicles.

Under this scheme, owners replacing old vehicles could receive incentives of up to 30% of the new vehicle’s cost. Initially voluntary, the program will encourage scrapping BS-I, BS-II, and BS-III vehicles, while BS-IV vehicles may be sold outside the NCR.

Green Cover and Environmental Initiatives
The NCRPB has emphasized increasing green cover to improve environmental sustainability. States will be encouraged to plant trees along roads, railway lines, canals, and other open areas. Competitions will be held at the district level to boost participation, with incentives for top performers.

It was clarified that green cover and forest areas will be treated as separate categories. While forest-related decisions fall under the purview of the Ministry of Environment and the judiciary, the NCRPB will focus on expanding green cover in non-forest areas.

Why Were NCR’s Boundaries Left Unchanged?
Some states had proposed changes to the NCR’s boundaries, but the NCRPB decided to retain the existing limits. This ensures continuity in planning across the region’s 32 districts.

Zonal Restrictions for Pollution Control
To address disparities in pollution levels across districts, the NCR will be divided into zones, including a core area and surrounding rings. Restrictions will be applied based on the pollution levels in each zone, sparing districts with relatively better air quality from unnecessary regulations.

Water Management Challenges
The meeting also highlighted the need for better water management. Future priorities include recycling used water and enhancing groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting. These measures aim to ensure sustainable water availability for the growing population.

What’s Next?
The NCRPB, which acts as a coordinating and advisory body, has nearly finalized the Regional Plan-2041. The plan will be notified after administrative reviews and discussions with state governments and other agencies.

With these ambitious initiatives, the NCR is gearing up to become a more sustainable and livable region by 2041.