The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has charted a financially robust and environmentally conscious path for the Lutyens' Delhi area, presenting a revenue surplus budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. The civic body, in its budget announcement on Wednesday, projected a surplus of Rs 143.05 crore, with total receipts estimated at Rs 5,953 crore against an expenditure of Rs 5,810.02 crore.
Key Financials and Civic Amenities
In a significant relief to residents, the NDMC has explicitly ruled out any increase in property tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year. The council expects to generate Rs 1,290 crore from property tax and is planning a complete transition to a 100% digital payment system for all citizen transactions. A major share of the expenditure, 10%, is allocated to civic amenities, while 8% is dedicated to health, sanitation, and solid waste management.
NDMC Vice Chairperson Kuljeet Chahal addressed the longstanding issue of differing property tax rates between the NDMC and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), assuring that the process to streamline these rates will be initiated in the coming month.
Green Initiatives and Pollution Mitigation
The budget places a strong emphasis on expanding green cover and combating pollution. In a first for Delhi, the NDMC is promoting the Miyawaki forestry method in its horticulture sector to create dense, native urban forests. The pilot project for this initiative is already underway, with a park near Nazaf Khan Road in Lodhi Colony being developed into a Miyawaki forest.
To tackle dust pollution, the iconic Lutyens' Delhi zone will see a shift from manual road sweeping to vacuum-based mechanised road sweepers. NDMC Chairperson Keshav Chandra stated that sanitation workers will receive specialised training to operate these new vehicles. Furthermore, in a push for cleaner transportation, the council plans to install 100 additional EV charging stations across its jurisdiction.
Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades
Substantial investments are earmarked for upgrading public infrastructure, particularly in the electricity sector. The NDMC has identified around 700 dark spots and, under the Safe City project, plans to install 2,000 new CCTV cameras to enhance security. To save energy and improve night-time visibility, select roads will be fitted with solar-powered lighting systems.
On the educational front, the council is focusing on modernising schools. Students will be taught about the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in daily life, and Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) labs will be established in NDMC schools to provide immersive learning experiences.
Adding a vibrancy to the city's nightlife, the civic body also revealed plans to introduce night markets in the capital soon, aiming to boost local economy and provide new experiences for residents and tourists alike.
