Delhi Master Plant 2047 promotes urban farming across underused spaces

Urban farming could become a more visible part of Delhi under the Master Plan for Delhi 2047, released on Thursday, with the city laying out a wider push for vegetable gardens, rooftop farming, vertical gardens, hydroponics and aquaponics as part of a greener and more sustainable future.The plan promotes urban farming and community gardens at the building and plot level, allowing residents and communities to use otherwise unused urban spaces to grow food.For a densely built-up city like Delhi, where land for conventional agriculture is limited, the proposal is positioned as part of a broader effort to expand green spaces and green-blue features while addressing pollution, rising temperatures and the pressures of urbanisation.From rooftops and terraces to vacant plots and community spaces, the plan envisages several forms of urban agriculture, including vegetable gardens, container gardening, herb gardens, vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics. It says vacant plots can be used for urban farming or gardening as an interim activity, while vertical farming inside buildings will be allowed subject to structural safety requirements.The plan also says local bodies and agencies may provide guidelines and capacity-building support to resident welfare associations, schools and other community groups interested in taking up such activities. Urban farming has been included in the plan's wider vision of promoting a "green economy", alongside community gardens, rooftop and terrace gardens, vertical gardens, hydroponics and aquaponics.According to the plan, these initiatives are not meant only for growing vegetables but also for increasing greenery in Delhi's built environment. It encourages features such as roof gardens, terrace gardens and green walls in buildings and plots.The Delhi government and local bodies may also consider tax incentives for maintaining green roofs and vertical greenery in existing buildings and reconstructed plots.The document links greater green cover with lower temperatures, reduced pollution, better biodiversity and stronger resilience to climate change. It adds that expanded green-blue infrastructure can improve living environments and quality of life.It also proposes grass and shrub cover on vacant land to reduce dust, while allowing such plots to be used for urban farming and gardening in the interim.For residents, this could mean growing vegetables, herbs and other plants closer to where they live rather than depending entirely on distant agricultural land.At the same time, the plan leaves implementation largely to local bodies, agencies and communities, which will have to frame suitable guidelines and ensure rooftop and vertical farming meet structural and other safety requirements.Overall, the master plan presents urban farming as a practical way to bring more greenery into Delhi's built-up areas while making use of underused spaces.- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 21, 2026 19:53 IST