New Delhi: Taking its green initiatives a step further, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will organise its first-ever ‘DDA Expo 2026′ at Baansera on Feb 14–15, showcasing innovations in ecological restoration, sustainability and green urban development. The two-day event will bring together academic institutions, universities, industry leaders and international participants to share knowledge on nature-based solutions, water-sensitive planning, agri-tech innovations and landscape restoration. “At a time when pollution and its impact are being widely discussed, there is a need for platforms that highlight green solutions and successful initiatives,” a DDA official said. “While the key theme will focus on green spaces and landscape restoration, we expect discussions on related infrastructure development as well,” the official added. DDA currently manages more than 5,050 hectares of green areas—about 18% of Delhi’s total land area—the largest among city agencies. These include biodiversity parks, large portions of the central and south ridge, golf courses and hundreds of public parks, along with restored stretches of the Yamuna floodplain. “While we are actively working to revive green spaces, our main goal is to strengthen citizens’ connection with these areas,” the official said. “A special session will explore how the Yamuna floodplain can become a public space for people to reconnect with the river. Likewise, our seven biodiversity parks — popular with students and researchers — could be made more accessible to the public. The ridge area, a favourite among nature enthusiasts, also has potential for further enhancement,” the official added. During the expo, the DDA is expected to sign several MoUs with stakeholders to advance its green agenda, promote research collaborations and enhance park usability. “We will also explore revenue-generating avenues to improve the services of DDA’s green spaces, including adding play areas and cultural activities in the parks,” another official said. The Rs 3.5-crore event will feature exhibition zones, stalls and food courts and is expected to draw significant public participation. Govt agencies, corporate exhibitors and startups in fields such as irrigation technology, native landscaping, biodiversity restoration and waste-to-green solutions will showcase their innovations. Institutions like the School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi), TERI School of Advanced Studies, and IITs are also expected to take part. The expo will include participatory programmes for students and researchers, including an ‘Adopt a Patch’ initiative encouraging citizen stewardship of DDA parks and green spaces.
