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 technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, data analytics, Energy Efficiency, environment, governance, healthcare, infrastructure, mobility, public safety, security, sustainability, transportation, and waste management.

AI is used in smart cities to improve efficiency and accuracy in a variety of areas, such as traffic management, crime prevention, and healthcare. Blockchain is used to create secure and transparent systems for managing data and transactions. Cloud computing is used to store and process large amounts of data. Data analytics is used to identify trends and patterns in data. Energy efficiency is used to reduce energy consumption and costs. Environment is used to improve air quality, water quality, and waste management. Governance is used to improve Transparency and Accountability in government. Healthcare is used to improve access to healthcare and quality of care. Infrastructure is used to improve the quality of roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Mobility is used to improve transportation systems and reduce traffic congestion. Public safety is used to improve crime prevention and response. Security is used to protect critical infrastructure and citizens from cyberattacks. Sustainability is used to reduce environmental impact and promote economic development. Transportation is used to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. Waste management is used to reduce waste and improve recycling rates. Wi-Fi is used to provide citizens with access to the Internet.

Smart cities offer a number of benefits, including:

Improved efficiency: Smart cities can improve efficiency in a variety of areas, such as traffic management, crime prevention, and healthcare.
Reduced costs: Smart cities can reduce costs in a variety of areas, such as energy consumption, waste management, and transportation.
Improved quality of life: Smart cities can improve the quality of life for citizens by providing them with access to better services and infrastructure.
Increased sustainability: Smart cities can increase sustainability by reducing environmental impact and promoting economic development.

However, smart cities also face a number of challenges, including:

Privacy and security: Smart cities collect a lot of data about citizens, which raises concerns about privacy and security.
Cost: Smart cities can be expensive to implement and maintain.
Social equity: Smart cities can exacerbate existing social inequalities if they are not designed and implemented carefully.
Technological compatibility: Smart cities require a variety of technologies to work together, which can be difficult to achieve.

Despite the challenges, smart cities offer a number of potential benefits that could make them worth the investment. As smart city technologies continue to develop, it is likely that we will see more and more cities adopt these technologies in the years to come.

Here are some examples of smart cities around the world:

Singapore: Singapore is one of the most advanced smart cities in the world. It uses a variety of technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cloud computing to improve the quality of life for its citizens. For example, Singapore uses AI to manage its traffic system and to predict and prevent crime. It also uses blockchain to track food safety and to manage its energy grid.
Barcelona: Barcelona is another leading smart city. It uses a variety of technologies to improve energy efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and improve public transportation. For example, Barcelona uses sensors to collect data on traffic patterns and to optimize the flow of traffic. It also uses smart meters to track energy consumption and to provide citizens with feedback on their energy usage.
Stockholm: Stockholm is a leader in Sustainable Development. It uses a variety of technologies to reduce its environmental impact and improve the quality of life for its citizens. For example, Stockholm uses smart meters to track energy consumption and to provide citizens with feedback on their energy usage. It also uses smart lighting to reduce energy consumption and to improve safety.
Helsinki: Helsinki is a leader in digitalization. It uses a variety of technologies to improve the efficiency of government services and to provide citizens with access to information and services. For example, Helsinki uses a digital platform to provide citizens with access to government services. It also uses a smart city app to provide citizens with information on traffic, weather, and events.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is AI?
AI is a branch of computer science that deals with the creation of intelligent agents, which are systems that can reason, learn, and act autonomously.
What are some examples of AI?
Some examples of AI include facial recognition, natural language processing, and machine Learning.
What are the benefits of AI?
The benefits of AI include its ability to automate tasks, improve decision-making, and personalize experiences.
What are the risks of AI?
The risks of AI include its potential to be used for malicious purposes, its ability to create job displacement, and its potential to exacerbate inequality.

Blockchain

What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a distributed Database that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions.
What are some examples of blockchain?
Some examples of blockchain include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperledger.
What are the benefits of blockchain?
The benefits of blockchain include its ability to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase transparency.
What are the risks of blockchain?
The risks of blockchain include its complexity, its potential for misuse, and its lack of regulation.

Cloud Computing

What is cloud computing?
Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources over the Internet with pay-as-you-go pricing.
What are some examples of cloud computing?
Some examples of cloud computing include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
What are the benefits of cloud computing?
The benefits of cloud computing include its scalability, its flexibility, and its cost-effectiveness.
What are the risks of cloud computing?
The risks of cloud computing include its security, its reliability, and its compliance.

Cybersecurity

What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
What are some examples of cybersecurity threats?
Some examples of cybersecurity threats include malware, phishing attacks, and denial-of-service attacks.
What are the benefits of cybersecurity?
The benefits of cybersecurity include the protection of critical infrastructure, the prevention of data breaches, and the reduction of financial losses.
What are the risks of cybersecurity?
The risks of cybersecurity include the loss of data, the disruption of business operations, and the damage to reputation.

Data Science

What is data science?
Data science is the field of study that combines domain expertise, programming skills, and knowledge of mathematics and statistics to extract meaningful insights from data.
What are some examples of data science?
Some examples of data science include data mining, machine learning, and natural language processing.
What are the benefits of data science?
The benefits of data science include the ability to improve decision-making, the ability to identify trends, and the ability to personalize experiences.
What are the risks of data science?
The risks of data science include the potential for bias, the potential for misuse, and the potential for privacy violations.

Internet of Things (IoT)

What is the IoT?
The IoT is a Network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, Software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet.
What are some examples of IoT devices?
Some examples of IoT devices include smart thermostats, smart Light bulbs, and smart cars.
What are the benefits of the IoT?
The benefits of the IoT include the ability to improve efficiency, the ability to reduce costs, and the ability to improve customer service.
What are the risks of the IoT?
The risks of the IoT include the potential for security breaches, the potential for privacy violations, and the potential for data overload.

Robotics

What is robotics?
Robotics is the field of engineering that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
What are some examples of robots?
Some examples of robots include industrial robots, service robots, and personal robots.
What are the benefits of robots?
The benefits of robots include the ability to automate tasks, the ability to improve efficiency, and the ability to improve safety.
What are the risks of robots?
The risks of robots include the potential for job displacement, the potential for misuse, and the potential for accidents.

What is the most important factor in determining the success of a smart city?
(A) The technology used
(B) The people who live in the city
(C) The government that runs the city
(D) The funding that is available
What are some of the benefits of living in a smart city?
(A) Reduced crime rates
(B) Improved air quality
(C) Increased efficiency in public services
(D) All of the above
What are some of the challenges of building a smart city?
(A) The cost of technology
(B) The need for data privacy and security
(C) The need for public acceptance
(D) All of the above
What is one example of a smart city project that has been successful?
(A) The development of a smart grid in Copenhagen, Denmark
(B) The implementation of a smart transportation system in Singapore
(C) The creation of a smart water management system in Amsterdam, Netherlands
(D) All of the above
What is one example of a smart city project that has been unsuccessful?
(A) The development of a smart grid in Los Angeles, California
(B) The implementation of a smart transportation system in New York City
(C) The creation of a smart water management system in Chicago, Illinois
(D) None of the above
What are some of the ethical concerns associated with smart cities?
(A) The potential for surveillance and data collection
(B) The potential for discrimination
(C) The potential for environmental impact
(D) All of the above
What are some of the legal concerns associated with smart cities?
(A) The ownership of data
(B) The liability for accidents
(C) The privacy of citizens
(D) All of the above
What are some of the social concerns associated with smart cities?
(A) The potential for job displacement
(B) The potential for social inequality
(C) The potential for loss of privacy
(D) All of the above
What are some of the political concerns associated with smart cities?
(A) The potential for centralization of power
(B) The potential for Corruption
(C) The potential for loss of local control
(D) All of the above
What are some of the economic concerns associated with smart cities?
(A) The cost of technology
(B) The cost of implementation
(C) The cost of maintenance
(D) All of the above