Dr Sony Pellissery was a speaker at the Delhi Development Authority’s (DDA) Green Expo, held on February 14–15, 2026. The theme of the two-day Expo was “Beyond Growth: Reimagining Urban Futures.”

Session on Development vs. Conservation: Finding a Middle Path

During the Expo, Professor Sony participated in a panel discussion titled “Development vs. Conservation: Finding a Middle Path.”

For the panel, Prof Sony was joined by:

• Mr. Davinder Sandhu, Chairperson of Primus Partners (the Knowledge Partner for DDA Green Expo 2026)
• Ms. Shubhi Kesarwani, CEO of Gurujal Foundation
• Mr. Nikhil Dhar of IES College of Architecture, Mumbai

Professor Sony’s intervention was focussed on how development doctrine evolved from conceptualising cities as vehicles of growth to cities as spaces to realise justice. The latter focus is what is called New Urbanism. In other words, New Urbanism recognises the failures of traditional city-focussed growth models. Urban Planning as a profession has to prioritise whether the exercise is to build cities for growth or to build cities of spatial justice. Traditionally, planning as an instrument borrowed colonial models and focused on making aesthetic cities (to attract capital), to make cities look modern (contrasted to traditional countryside), and functional differentiation (as business areas, residential areas and industrial locations) within city. These three functions primarily served the interests of markets. Within intensified markets exchanges through globalisation, cities across the world began to look alike. This led to loss of ecological character of cities. Ecological crisis is an invitation to restore the ecological character of cities.

Professor Sony in his intervention pointed at requirements of such transformation as a typical example of obsession with infrastructure. Focus on urban infrastructure (at the expense of environment), has the logic of financial markets. He said: “Neglecting urban economy and focussing on infrastructure is like spending on a shiny front door of a leaking and disorderly house”.

His inputs were drawn from his book chapter “A Grammar for Transformative Urbanism.”

About the Summit

The first-ever “DDA Green Expo 2026” was organised at Baansera, Birsa Munda Chowk, New Delhi which was transformed into public park from a mountain looking heap of debris of Delhi Metro construction on the Yamuna Floodplains.

Anchored in the theme “Beyond Growth – Reimagining Urban Futures,” the expo aimed to promote sustainable and climate-resilient urban development. It highlighted how ecological restoration, green infrastructure, and nature-based solutions can transform cities into healthier, more liveable spaces. The event brought together policymakers, urban planners, environmental experts, academic institutions, industry leaders, and citizens to showcase innovative practices in urban greening, biodiversity conservation, and climate-adaptive planning. Through exhibitions, expert sessions, and interactive activities, the expo fostered collaboration, public awareness, and action toward a greener future. It reflected Delhi’s commitment to creating resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious urban spaces for generations to come.

The participants showcased innovations and shared knowledge on topics like: