What is a "smart city"?

There is no standardized definition as to what a Smart city really is. A city that meets the sustainability

criteria laid out by the United Nations (UN) that provide for an efficient and clean environment with

equal opportunities for all.

The concept of a Smart City (SC) is not entirely new. There has been continuous evolution of the concept

of a Smart City. There are tremendous regional variations and there is no “one size fits all” approach to

building a smart city.

Why is it required?

Since time immemorial cities have been the centers for economic growth, technological progress and

will continue to be so.

Urbanization is a worldwide phenomenon which has, of late, gained traction in the developing world.

With mass exodus of people from rural areas to urban, the basic necessities like accommodation,

energy, water and sanitation are found wanting.

Indian Context: Urban Trends and Characteristics

a. Steady growth of population growth: Urban population to comprise 58% of total population

b. Metros and bigger cities stabilize and smaller cities to experience maximum growth

c. Deficient Urban Infrastructure conditions

d. Urban contribution more than 2/3rds of national economy

e. India is 4th largest emitter of Green House Gases (GHGs)

So, what’s all the hullabaloo about the 100 Smart Cities Mission?

It was apart of present government’s election manifesto. Initially the plan was to create 100 “new smart

cities”, later it changed to “making existing cities smart” (a shift from greenfield to brownfield).

A Smart City would be the one which plans judiciously to meet its aspirations and challenges in a

sustainable manner while fostering principles of good governance. These are achieved in a Smart City by

utilising the enhanced power of technology, engaging with a more aware and informed citizenry and

creating a more competent and capacitated set of people working within an accountable framework

In Indian context, it is the use of Information and Communication technologies (ICT) supported by policy

environment to achieve sustainability and good governance. The guiding principles in Smart City

Reference Framework are

i. Well-being: Overall Sector Performance

ii. Equity: Access to Poor and marginalized

iii. Efficiency: Reliability and User friendly, Quality and Resource Optimization

iv. Foresight: Robustness, Capacity and Long term goals

What is the progress?

What is to be done?

1. Conceptualizing Smart Cities for India

2. City Selection under Smart Cities Mission

3. Smart City Plan

4. Project Identification by Cities

5. Implementation of Plans and Projects

6. Monitoring and Evaluation

Note: Currently 1,2 have been completed. 3 is in progress

Opportunities Challenges

Efficient Urban Management Systems Right Model

Decentralization Social Acceptability, Liveability & Sustainability

Minimizing Conflicts in Urban Environment Funding Strategy for Smart Cities

Inclusive and Equitable Resource Distribution Capacity of Existing Institutions to Reform

Building adequate Urban Institutions Achieving Good Governance

Do Smart Cities exist?

Though there are several organizations that have tried to classify Smart Cities based on various indices,

there is little consistency in the indicators. Below are some of the rankings and Smart Cities:

Conclusion:

Making cities smart will take time and effort. It is critical to create an enabling policy and regulatory

environment.