Gurugram (erstwhile Gurgaon), a satellite town in the National
Capital Region (NCR) and referred to as a ‘Millennium City’, is
one of Haryana’s largest urban centres. It has experienced
phenomenal growth – from a small population of 870,539 in 2001
to 1,514,085 in 2011. The current population of Gurugram is
estimated to be close to 2.5 million and is expected to grow
to4.3 million by 2020. As the industrial and financial centre of
Haryana, this city has witnessed the third largest increase in
per capita incomes in India (after Chandigarh and Mumbai).
Almost 45-48 percent of Haryana’s revenue accrues from Gurugram
by way of excise duty, sales tax, stamp duty and registration.
This is the hub of the prolific and massive real estate
development that is happening in the state today.
Naturally enough, this explosive growth has brought in its wake
concerns around sustainability. The question being asked is how
can economic and social development be achieved without harming
the environment, while improving the overall quality of life and
well-being of urban dwellers. This Guidance Framework – prepared
by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Gurgaon First
under the aegis of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram –
attempts to answer this: We believe it is possible to protect
our air, water, soil, biodiversity and forests; promote
sustainable mobility; and improve the living conditions of the
poor even while meeting the needs of development, growth and
poverty reduction. Effective intervention at the early stages of
growth can be preventive, precautionary and cost-effective.
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