The theme of the fourth National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) Mahi Convention, held on June 27, 2025, at New Delhi was 'Rise & Build: Women Transforming Real Estate for a Sustainable Tomorrow'. Observing the evolution in the Indian infrastructure space, Pravesh Sahib Singh Verma, Cabinet Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, said, “beautification is key for developing smart cities in the country. I think women and NAREDCO Mahi can play a key role in achieving beautification of our cities."
D Thara, IAS, Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, emphasized the need to look beyond buildings and housing complexes and aim for integrated infrastructure management to achieve a sustainable habitat. She stressed sustainable measures in real estate development and the role of women in sustainable growth. "There is need to transcend beyond housing and focus on associated sectors like water supply and green space. It’s high time to move from real estate to integrated infrastructure management."
To mitigate floods, she suggested developers include ‘green tanks’ to store excess water, aiding conservation. She also urged handing over documents on green measures and water availability to increase awareness and accountability.
Highlighting NAREDCO Mahi’s expansion and women’s growing participation in the sector, Smita Patil, President, NAREDCO Mahi, said, “India’s housing future must be built with policy, shaped by industry, and guided by inclusive values — especially empowering women and emerging leaders. Under our initiative Saswat Nirman we are focusing on sustainable real estate development. It aims to integrate environmentally friendly construction practices, energy efficiency, and green building principles into the real estate sector in India. We are committed to being a bridge — supporting women in the sector, nurturing young talent, and working in sync with the government for a stronger urban India.”
During the fireside chat, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, NAREDCO, emphasised skilling as key for a women-led real estate sector. "Real estate is the second largest employer in India. However, it is short of skilled workers, which if filled by skilled women, would not only lead to employment generation and women empowerment, but would give a boost to economic growth and help achieve the vision of tripling the size of the economy." He noted that India’s home loans have the lowest non-performing assets globally due to women’s economic deftness. "There is a big role played by women," he said.
