Will also want to preserve our "traditional architecture", that India is so richly endowed with, even as we embrace modernity says the Minister

New Delhi: Delhi will be developed into a "global city" and the country's first 'smart city' will be set up here to decongest the national capital and facilitate it with all modern amenities, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said here on Saturday.

"We want to make Delhi a truly global city, having all latest and modern amenities and facilities that any other global city like London or San Francisco has. We want to have world-class entertainment venues like Disneyland or Universal Studios here," Naidu said.

The Narendra Modi-led NDA government has planned to set up 100 'smart cities' and Naidu said that the first such city will come up in the national capital.

"Delhi is the heart of India and the first smart city would come up here. The city of Barcelona in Spain has also promised technological support to us in our effort in this direction," he said.

"I saw the city of Barcelona, and apart from modern buildings, they have also preserved their old architecture. We also want to preserve our traditional architecture, that India is so richly endowed with, even as we embrace modernity," he added.

The Minister was speaking at a function organised by DDA at its headquarters here to officially kick-start the allotment process of its 'Housing Scheme 2014’.

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DDA's vice chairman Balvinder Kumar in a media briefing yesterday had outlined the plans for the 'smart city' in the capital.

"The smart city will have a world-class infrastructure, 24-hour power supply, complete wi-fi connectivity, and will employ green technology and latest water conservation techniques like rain-harvesting and waste management techniques, among other facilities," Kumar said.