New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Udhmodya Foundation, has successfully concluded the first edition of its national-level hackathon, Harit Manthan 2026, aimed at generating innovative and scalable solutions for urban green space management. Held on April 17 and 18, the two-day event brought together nearly 50 teams from 31 colleges across seven states, reflecting strong participation from students and young innovators.
The hackathon focused on addressing critical ecological challenges in cities by encouraging practical, technology-driven, and policy-oriented solutions. Participants competed across two primary tracks—Technology and Policy—developing ideas to improve the maintenance, sustainability, and usability of urban green infrastructure.
On the second day, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena (as referenced in similar contexts; however, reports mention Lt. Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu attending the event) emphasized the importance of youth engagement in shaping resilient urban ecosystems. He highlighted that fresh, innovative ideas from young minds are essential for improving public infrastructure and tackling environmental concerns in rapidly growing cities.
DDA Vice Chairman N. Saravana Kumar stated that Harit Manthan is envisioned not as a one-time initiative but as a long-term institutional platform. He noted that the authority aims to integrate innovative ideas into existing governance systems, enabling real-world implementation within public projects.
Participants received mentorship from experts associated with DDA and the University of Delhi, focusing on refining proposals for feasibility, scalability, and real-world application. The final round saw shortlisted teams present their solutions before an expert jury, evaluated on originality, practicality, and implementation potential.
Three winning teams—two from the Technology track and one from the Policy track—were awarded seed funding of up to ₹10 lakh, along with incubation support from the Udhmodya Foundation to further develop their ideas. Additional promising teams will continue to receive guidance, with potential opportunities for future funding.
With DDA managing over 16,000 acres of parks, forests, and biodiversity zones across Delhi, the initiative addresses the urgent need for cost-effective and sustainable management strategies. Harit Manthan 2026 marks a significant step toward fostering innovation-led urban environmental governance and building a greener, more resilient capital.
Also Read: Delhi LG Reviews Plan for Yamuna Bazar Rejuvenation, Focus on Heritage and Flood Resilience
Join our WhatsApp Channel for fastest updates: Join now