Green exhibition an example of ecological revival: L-G

New Delhi

The first green exhibition of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) began at Baansera Park on Saturday. The two-day event, themed ‘Beyond Growth: Reimagining Urban Futures’, brings together senior government leaders, planners, climate experts and industry stakeholders to chart a sustainable path for the Capital.

Soaking in the ambience, Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena described the venue as a powerful example of ecological revival. He said the expo offers practical solutions to Delhi’s environmental challenges and reflects a renewed commitment to a “greener, healthier, and more hopeful future”.

He noted that Baansera itself is a proof of what focused restoration can achieve, recalling that only a few could have imagined three years ago that a degraded and polluted site would transform into a platform for planning Delhi’s sustainable future.

‘Everyday heroes’

He emphasised that the expo is not limited to conferences and exhibitions. It also celebrates ordinary citizens who nurture plants outside their homes, teach children about local biodiversity and care for saplings. “They are the everyday heroes of our environmental journey,” he said.

DDA vice chairman N. Saravana Kumar said that while the authority is widely recognised as a master planner, developer and regulator, it also serves as Delhi’s “environmental trustee”, with a responsibility to safeguard ecological assets.

A key highlight of the expo, he said, is the signing of strategic partnerships aimed at reimagining DDA parks as vibrant community spaces. Collaborating with the National School of Drama, University of Delhi, Delhi Technological University, National Medicinal Plants Board and WWF-India, the DDA will introduce theatre workshops, ecological research, technology-driven sustainability solutions, herbal gardens and citizens’ nature hubs across select parks, a statement said.

Palaash Mahotsav

Mr. Saxena also inaugurated DDA’s annual flower festival, Palaash Mahotsav 2026, at Baansera. For the first time, the three-day festival will be held simultaneously in four venues — Baansera, Ashoka Garden in Ashoka Vihar, Lala Hardayal Park in Jasola and Smriti Van in Narela — from February 14 to 16.

Featuring floral displays, competitions and cultural activities, each site is curated around themes of nature, sustainability and community life. Tulips have been integrated into the festival, expanding Delhi’s floral landscape beyond Lutyens’ Delhi and reinforcing DDA’s vision of people-centric, ecologically-sensitive public spaces, according to a DDA official.