SMART VITIES MISSION

The 100 Smart Cities Mission in India was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015. Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting programme launched by the Government of India to develop smart cities and make them citizen friendly and sustainable. The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing the mission in collaboration with state governments; this is expected to complete
between 2019 and 2023.

Objective

The objective of the smart city initiative is to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure to give a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment through application of some smart solutions such as data-driven traffic management, intelligent lighting systems, etc.

The core infrastructure elements in a Smart City are as follows:

• Adequate water supply
• Assured electricity supply
• Sanitation including solid waste management
• Efficient urban mobility and public transport
• Affordable housing, especially for the poor
• Robust IT connectivity and digitalisation
• Good governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation
• Sustainable environment
• Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly
• Health and education
The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model to serve as a beacon to other aspiring cities.

Coverage

The mission will cover 100 cities that have been distributed among the States /Union Territories (UT) on the basis of an equitable criteria

Strategy of Smart Cities Mission:

The strategy of the Smart Cities Mission is based on the following five pillars:

A. Area-Based Development:
The mission focuses on the development of specific areas within cities, known as “development areas,” which will serve as models for other parts of the city to follow.

B. Pan-city Development:
The mission also focuses on developing pan-city solutions that address city-wide challenges, such as traffic management, waste management, and water supply.

C. Citizen Participation:
The mission emphasizes the need for citizen engagement and involvement in the development process. Cities are encouraged to consult with citizens, listen to their needs and feedback, and involve them in decision-making processes.

D. Technology-Enabled Governance:
The mission seeks to use technology to improve governance and service delivery. This includes the use of digital platforms, big data, and other technologies to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government processes.

E. Sustainability and Climate-Resilience:
The mission prioritizes the development of sustainable and climate-resilient cities, which are equipped to deal with the challenges posed by a changing climate. This includes the development of green infrastructure, energy-efficient
buildings, and a focus on renewable energy.