With sustainable urban planning and decentralization, Ashish Kukreja envisions a future where Tier-2 cities emerge as economic and green powerhouses.
As India embarks on its ambitious $1.4 trillion infrastructure journey, questions around sustainability and equitable urban development take center stage. Ashish Kukreja, Founder and CEO of Homesfy, highlighted the critical role of green infrastructure and decentralized growth in shaping India’s cities of tomorrow during the latest episode of the “What India Needs!” podcast hosted by Shutapa Paul.
India’s rapid urbanization has left its metros gasping for breath. Green cover in cities like Mumbai and Delhi has plummeted to a meager 3%, compared to 30% in cities like London. This is not just an aesthetic loss but a public health crisis, with urban pollution cutting life expectancy by five years in some areas.
Kukreja emphasized, “Infrastructure accounts for nearly 25% of global carbon emissions. Without sustainable planning, we risk repeating the mistakes of developed nations. This is why green spaces, public areas, and policy frameworks must take precedence as we move forward.”
The government’s allocation of ₹10 lakh crore to infrastructure in the Union Budget 2023-24 reflects its commitment to the sector, but experts like Kukreja and Paul stress the need for public-private partnerships, advanced technologies, and stringent accountability for developers to ensure a resilient and green future.
Tier-2 Cities: The Next Frontier for Growth
While metros dominate India’s economic landscape, Kukreja believes the future lies in empowering Tier-2 cities like Indore and Surat to emerge as sustainable economic hubs.
“The first phase of growth is always centered around the top 7-10 cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru,” said Kukreja. “But now, we must focus on creating thriving ecosystems in smaller cities that balance economic opportunities with environmental sustainability.” He noted that cities like Surat and Indore are already leading the way by adopting green practices and improving urban infrastructure. Kukreja envisions Homesfy expanding its footprint into Tier-2 markets to tap into emerging opportunities in the real estate sector.
The Need for Green Spaces
Urban India’s green cover remains alarmingly low. Kukreja explained, “A city with minimal green cover is not just inconvenient,it’s unliveable.” While initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission are steps in the right direction, achieving even modest targets of 8-9% green coverage will require significant efforts from both the public and private sectors.
Public advocacy and accountability will play crucial roles. “As citizens, we must demand better urban planning. Green spaces, public parks, and sustainable construction need to become non-negotiable aspects of infrastructure development,” Kukreja added.
Infrastructure With Intent
Sustainable infrastructure is more than just a buzzword for Kukreja,it’s a necessity. He stressed the importance of planning for future generations, pointing out that infrastructure must account for housing, education, and quality of life for decades to come. “Building infrastructure is not just about constructing roads and buildings,” he explained. “It’s about intent,policies must focus on continuity, execution, and the well-being of citizens.” Kukreja further highlighted the role of green building technologies and renewable energy in reducing India’s infrastructure-related carbon emissions by up to 35% by 2030.
Voices from the Podcast
The discussion on the “What India Needs!” podcast brought attention to the urgent need for sustainable urban planning. Host Shutapa Paul shared, “As citizens, we have a responsibility to demand better public spaces and sustainable urban designs. Infrastructure is not just about what the government provides,it’s also about what we, as a community, insist on.” Kukreja echoed these sentiments, saying, “India’s ability to integrate green technologies and policies into its infrastructure plans can set a global benchmark. We have the opportunity to build cities that are not just functional but also environmentally conscious.”
About the Podcast
“What India Needs!” is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Shutapa Paul, a media entrepreneur, author, and award-winning commentator. The podcast delves into topics like urban development, policy innovation, and sustainability, offering insights from leaders and experts like Ashish Kukreja. To watch the full episode with Ashish Kukreja, visit YouTube or listen on Spotify.
About Ashish Kukreja Ashish Kukreja is the Founder and CEO of Homesfy and MyMagnet.io, two platforms transforming India’s real estate sector. With over 17 years of experience in real estate and finance, Ashish has redefined the home-buying process by making transactions trustworthy and hassle-free. Under his leadership, Homesfy partners with top developers like Lodha, Godrej, Prestige, and Mahindra to simplify real estate sales.
Conclusion
India’s ambitious ₹10 lakh crore infrastructure push presents both opportunities and challenges. As Ashish Kukreja and Shutapa Paul emphasized, the integration of sustainable urban planning, green technologies, and community advocacy will determine the success of this transformative journey. By decentralizing growth and empowering Tier-2 cities, India can create resilient, green urban spaces for generations to come.
At Prittle Prattle News, where we take pride in “featuring you virtuously,” we continue to spotlight impactful initiatives shaping India’s future. Led by its Editor-in-Chief, Smruti Bhalerao, the publication highlights stories that inspire progress and innovation.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for more updates. Visit Prittle Prattle News for insightful stories about sustainability, infrastructure, and development.