Greenfield Projects in India - An Effort Driving Sustainable Development

Abstract

Greenfield projects in India are increasingly viewed as vital instruments for advancing sustainable development by enabling the construction of new infrastructure, industrial units, and smart cities from the ground up with minimal legacy constraints. These projects provide an opportunity to integrate sustainability principles from the design phase, including energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy use, sustainable resource management, and eco-friendly construction practices. When planned and executed responsibly, Greenfield projects can serve as models for sustainable infrastructure, fostering long-term environmental and social benefits in line with India’s commitment to the United Nations’ (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, balancing ecological concerns with economic aspirations remains a challenge, particularly concerning land acquisition and environmental impact assessments. The paper attempts to discuss the concept and challenges of greenfield projects in India, and highlights the laws associated with greenfield projects. The paper also shares a few case studies on greenfield projects, especially greenfield airfields, in the context of investment, strategy, challenges, and solutions.

Keywords: Greenfield Projects, Sustainable Development, Challenges, Case Studies, Airfields

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