New Delhi, June 9 (IANS): Regional planning for the development of the National Capital Region (NCR) has resulted in decline in the population growth of Delhi over the years, union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday.

"Population growth of Delhi has come down from 47 percent in 1991-2001 to 21.2 percent during 2001-11 as a result of decline in migration to Delhi and out migration from Delhi," Naidu said while chairing a meeting of the NCR Planning Board (NCRPB).

Terming the NCRPB a unique model of inter-state regional cooperation and development in the country, Naidu said the level of urbanisation in the NCR was 62.6 percent, which was the highest in the country.

It calls for special attention to address infrastructural and environmental challenges, he added.

"The member states of NCR should be more pro-active in formulation and implementation of sub-regional plans with particular emphasis on infrastructure development," he urged.

Delhi and some parts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan that surround the national capital city constitute the NCR, accounting for a population of about five crore. The NCRPB enables balanced growth and harmonious development in the region through regional planning.