concept of Smart Cities

Smart Cities

The Government of India has launched the Smart Cities Mission on 25 June 2015.
The objective is to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and give a decent Quality Of Life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable Environment and application of ‘Smart’ solutions.
The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development and the idea is to look at compact areas, create a replicable model which will act like a lighthouse to other aspiring cities. The Smart Cities Mission is meant to set examples that can be replicated both within and outside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions and parts of the country.
Some of the core infrastructure Elements in a Smart City would include 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 digitalization, Good Governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation, sustainable environment, safety and security of citizens, particularly Women, children and the elderly and Health and Education.
The strategic components of the Smart Cities Mission are city improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (Greenfield development) plus a Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied covering larger parts of the city.
Area-based development will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned human settlements, thereby, improving liveability of the whole cities. Development of well-planned and fully serviced new areas (greenfield) will be encouraged around cities in order to accommodate the rapidly expanding Population in urban areas. Application of Smart Solutions will enable cities to use technology to improve infrastructure and Services.
Comprehensive development in this way will improve quality of life, create EMPLOYMENT and enhance incomes for all, especially the poor and the disadvantaged, leading to inclusive cities.

Selection Process

The selection process of Smart Cities is based on the idea of Competitive and Co-operative Federalism and follows a Challenge process to select cities in two stages.
In January 2016, based on the All India Competition, 20 smart cities were selected in Round 1.13 more Smart Cities were selected in May 2016 in fast track round.
In Round 2, 63 potential smart cities participated of which, 27 Smart Cities have been selected in September 2016.
In Round 3, 45 potential smart cities participated of which, 30 Smart Cities have been selected in June 2017.
In Round 4, 15 potential smart cities participated of which, 9 Smart Cities have been selected in January 2018.
A total Investment of Rs.2,01,981 crore has been proposed by the 99 cities under their smart city plans. Projects focusing on revamping an identified area (Area Based Projects) are estimated to cost Rs. 1,63,138 crore. Smart initiatives across the city (Pan City Initiatives) account for the remaining Rs. 38,841 crore of investments.
The implementation of the Smart Cities Mission is done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be set up at city level in the form of a limited company under the Companies Act, 2013 and will be promoted by the State/UT and the Urban Local Body (ULB) jointly both having 50:50 Equity shareholding. After selection, each selected Smart Cities have to set up SPVs and start implementation of their Smart City Proposal, preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), tenders etc.
The SPV will convert the Smart City Proposal into projects through Project Management Consultants (PMCs) and implementation thereafter

Objective

It aims to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its

citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions.

It aims to focus on sustainable and inclusive development and to set examples that can be replicated both within and outside the Smart City, catalysing the creation of similar Smart Cities in various regions and parts of the country.
To improve the ease of living particularly for poor, women, elderly and differently abled

Salient features

The Mission will cover 100 cities and its duration will be five years (FY2015-16 to FY2019- 20).

The strategic components of Area-based development in the Smart Cities Mission are city improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (greenfield development) plus a Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied covering larger parts of the city.
It will be operated as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) and the Central Government proposes to give financial support to the Mission to the extent of Rs. 48,000 crores over five years i.e. on an Average Rs. 100 crores per city per year. An equal amount, on a matching basis, will have to be contributed by the State/ULB.
States are asked to nominate names of cities for a ‘City Challenge Competition’ and the chosen ones will get Central fund.
Cities will prepare their Smart City Proposal (SCP) containing the vision, plan for mobilisation of Resources and intended outcomes in terms of infrastructure upgradation and smart applications.
The implementation of the Mission at the City level will be done by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) which will be headed by a CEO and have nominees of Central Government, State Government and ULB on its Board. State/UT and the ULB will be the promoters having 50:50 equity shareholding.
Funds provided by the Government of India in the Smart Cities Mission to the SPV will be in the form of tied grant and kept in a separate Grant Fund.

The flipside

Cities in India are governed by multiple organizations and authorities which have their own jurisdictions; thus Indian cities are characterized by multiple boundaries. The governing authorities in a city include Urban Local Bodies (ULB) with the primary functions of service delivery, planning for socio-Economic Development and regulation of development. This results in their subdivision into different wards. Large cities also have development authorities, urban development authorities or improvement trusts responsible for planning and development that divide cities into various planning zones.
Line departments, that are sector-specific organisations, deal with the provision of services in their respective sectors — the water supply agency has its own supply zones. Sewage disposal is also done based on various zones. The organizations responsible for safety and security delineate another set of zones. Therefore, the different spatial entities of the city formed by non-coterminous boundaries deter effective planning and good governance.
This calls for local spatial planning. Spatial planning includes regional planning, transportation and environment as well as promoting economic Growth of a region via models and techniques. This term is mostly used in context of Regional Planning.
For example: Conventional city planning talks about where a metro rail project should come up, a spatial plan “will also say what growth impetus the metro project will provide for the city and how the metro plan will be linked to land use and boost the economic activity of the city”.
It will be a blueprint for the city in terms of social infrastructure too. Planning for healthcare and schools, among other things, will be a part of it and once a project is sanctioned, it will become embedded in it. It will be easy to bring about any development project

Way forward

An important first step would be to build safeguards to protect the democratic nature of governance structures. A robust governance structure, which allows for sharing of power and financial resources between urban local bodies and the private sector stakeholders, would go a long way towards reducing fears.
The VCF policy framework (a principle that states that people benefiting from public investments in infrastructure should pay for it like land value tax, fee for changing land use, betterment levy, development charges, transfer of development rights, and land pooling systems) was introduced by the Ministry of Urban Development Besides this, tapping of municipal Bonds can meet the financial shortages.
Cues can be taken from successful models like Pune Municipal Body (Municipal bonds), Karnataka (for its methods to fund its mass transit projects) and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (betterment levy) to finance infrastructure projects.
Best international practices and principles of the recently concluded UN URBAN AGENDA of the Habitat conference can be incorporated to meet SDG goals.
Similarly, at the planning stage itself, cities must seek convergence in the SCM with AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), Digital India, Skill development, Housing for All, PMAY-Urban for better integration, coordination and inclusiveness.
Institutional and legal mechanisms for any repercussions with regard to social Justice, equity and cyber safety also must be stitched on to the mission strategy for it to be truly smart.

A smart city is a city that uses information and Communication technologies (ICT) to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and competitiveness.

Smart cities use a variety of sensors, cameras, and other devices to collect data on everything from traffic patterns to air quality. This data is then analyzed to identify problems and opportunities, and to develop solutions that can improve the city’s performance.

Smart cities can use technology to improve a wide range of services, including:

Transportation: Smart cities can use sensors and cameras to monitor traffic conditions and optimize traffic flow. They can also use real-time data to provide public transportation information and to help people find parking spaces.
Energy: Smart cities can use smart meters to track energy usage and identify opportunities for efficiency. They can also use RENEWABLE ENERGY sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Water: Smart cities can use sensors to monitor water usage and leaks. They can also use smart Irrigation systems to conserve water.
Waste: Smart cities can use sensors to track waste levels and to identify areas where there are problems with overflowing bins. They can also use smart recycling systems to encourage people to recycle more.
Security: Smart cities can use cameras and other sensors to monitor public spaces and to identify potential threats. They can also use smart lighting to deter crime.
Health: Smart cities can use sensors to monitor air quality and to identify areas where there are problems with pollution. They can also use smart healthcare systems to provide better care for residents.
Education: Smart cities can use technology to provide online education and to make Learning more accessible to everyone. They can also use smart classrooms to personalize learning for each student.
Tourism: Smart cities can use technology to promote tourism and to provide visitors with information about attractions and events. They can also use smart transportation systems to make it easier for visitors to get around.
economy: Smart cities can use technology to attract businesses and to create jobs. They can also use smart infrastructure to improve the efficiency of businesses.

Smart cities are still in their early stages of development, but they have the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. By using technology to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and competitiveness, smart cities can create a better future for everyone.

Here are some of the benefits of smart cities:

Improved efficiency: Smart cities can use technology to improve the efficiency of urban operations and services. For example, smart cities can use smart grids to reduce energy consumption and to improve the reliability of the power supply.
Reduced costs: Smart cities can use technology to reduce costs. For example, smart cities can use smart meters to track energy usage and to identify opportunities for efficiency. This can lead to lower energy bills for residents and businesses.
Improved quality of life: Smart cities can use technology to improve the quality of life for residents. For example, smart cities can use smart transportation systems to reduce traffic congestion and to improve air quality.
Increased sustainability: Smart cities can use technology to increase sustainability. For example, smart cities can use renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
Increased economic development: Smart cities can use technology to increase economic development. For example, smart cities can use smart technology to attract businesses and to create jobs.

However, there are also some challenges associated with smart cities:

Privacy concerns: Smart cities collect a lot of data about residents, which raises concerns about privacy. It is important to ensure that data is collected and used responsibly.
Security concerns: Smart cities rely on technology, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. It is important to ensure that smart cities are secure from attack.
Cost: Smart cities can be expensive to develop and maintain. It is important to ensure that the benefits of smart cities outweigh the costs.
Social equity: Smart cities can exacerbate existing social inequalities. It is important to ensure that smart cities benefit everyone, not just the wealthy and the powerful.

Despite the challenges, smart cities have the potential to improve the quality of life for everyone. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and challenges of smart cities before implementing them.

What is a smart city?

A smart city is a city that uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and competitiveness.

What are the benefits of smart cities?

Smart cities can offer a number of benefits, including:

Improved efficiency: Smart cities can use ICT to improve the efficiency of urban operations, such as traffic management, energy use, and waste management.
Increased sustainability: Smart cities can use ICT to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and protect the environment.
Enhanced quality of life: Smart cities can use ICT to improve the quality of life for residents, such as by providing better public transportation, education, and healthcare.
Increased economic development: Smart cities can use ICT to attract businesses and investment, and create jobs.

What are the challenges of smart cities?

There are a number of challenges associated with smart cities, including:

Cost: Smart cities can be expensive to implement, especially in developing countries.
Privacy: Smart cities collect a lot of data about residents, which raises concerns about privacy.
Security: Smart cities are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which could disrupt critical services.
Social equity: Smart cities can exacerbate existing social inequalities, if the benefits are not shared equally among all residents.

What are some examples of smart cities?

Some examples of smart cities include:

Singapore: Singapore is one of the most advanced smart cities in the world. It uses ICT to improve traffic management, Energy Efficiency, and public safety.
Stockholm: Stockholm is a leader in sustainable urban development. It uses ICT to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, and promote renewable energy.
Barcelona: Barcelona is a pioneer in the use of ICT to improve the quality of life for residents. It uses ICT to provide better public transportation, education, and healthcare.
Rio de Janeiro: Rio de Janeiro is using ICT to improve security and reduce crime. It uses ICT to monitor crime hotspots, track criminals, and improve police response times.

What is the future of smart cities?

The future of smart cities is bright. As ICT becomes more affordable and accessible, more and more cities will adopt smart technologies. Smart cities will have a major impact on the way we live, work, and play. They will make our cities more efficient, sustainable, and livable.

1. What is a smart city?

A smart city is a city that uses information and communication technologies (ICT) to improve the quality of life, efficiency of urban operation and services, and competitiveness.

2. What are the benefits of smart cities?

The benefits of smart cities include:

Improved quality of life: Smart cities can improve the quality of life for residents by providing better access to services, such as education, healthcare, and transportation.
Increased efficiency: Smart cities can increase efficiency by automating tasks and making better use of resources.
Reduced costs: Smart cities can reduce costs by improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Increased sustainability: Smart cities can increase sustainability by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. What are the challenges of smart cities?

The challenges of smart cities include:

Cost: Smart cities can be expensive to implement.
Privacy: Smart cities collect a lot of data about residents, which raises privacy concerns.
Security: Smart cities are vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Social equity: Smart cities can exacerbate inequality if they are not designed with equity in mind.

4. What are some examples of smart city initiatives?

Some examples of smart city initiatives include:

Smart grids: Smart grids use ICT to improve the efficiency of electricity distribution.
Smart transportation: Smart transportation uses ICT to improve the efficiency of transportation systems.
Smart buildings: Smart buildings use ICT to improve the efficiency of buildings.
Smart water management: Smart water management uses ICT to improve the efficiency of water management systems.
Smart waste management: Smart waste management uses ICT to improve the efficiency of waste management systems.

5. What are some of the ethical issues surrounding smart cities?

Some of the ethical issues surrounding smart cities include:

Privacy: Smart cities collect a lot of data about residents, which raises privacy concerns.
Bias: Smart city technologies can be biased, which can lead to discrimination.
Transparency: Smart city technologies can be opaque, which can make it difficult for residents to understand how they work and how their data is being used.
Accountability: Smart city technologies can be difficult to hold accountable, which can make it difficult to address problems that arise.

6. What are some of the future trends in smart cities?

Some of the future trends in smart cities include:

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI will be used to automate tasks and make better decisions in smart cities.
The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT will connect more and more devices in smart cities, which will create new opportunities for innovation.
The increasing importance of data: Data will be the key to the success of smart cities, and it will be used to improve decision-making, optimize resources, and improve the quality of life for residents.