Dixit’s efforts in promoting a “livable city” were the basis of naming the Indian capital along with Melbourne of Australia, Curitiba of Brazil and the prize winner Bilbao.
This was announced here at the World Cities Summit 2010. A total of 72 city nominations were received from 32 countries for the prize.
“Sheila Dixit was shortlisted for her charismatic and determined leadership in improving the living environment of New Delhi. Despite limited resources and limited control over the planning process, Dikshit had managed to muster the masses to implement several project-based initiatives that led to an improvement in the quality of life,” a statement from the Lee Kuan Yew World city prize committee said.
“She also managed to increase the green cover in Delhi from 26 sq km in 1997 to nearly 300 sq km to date, and was the key proponent in converting all public transport to the use of CNG fuel. This has led to a marked improvement in the air quality of the city,” it added.