Smart City:
- There
is no definition of Smart city as such. However, it can be presumed that
these cities would mobilize the Information and Communication to deliver
better services, reduce the carbon foot print, create a sustainable
environment, provide better job opportunities and living conditions.
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Given the fact that the
existing cities, which accommodate a bulk of the population, waste a lot of
resources and are energy-inefficient, Smart city is a concept where life is
technologically driven with efficient use of energy and resources. For example,
if you have forgotten to turn off a light in your house and you are in train to
your workplace which is 40km away, you can still switch it off remotely. This
is called smart grid technology.
- With
the age of smart phone gripping our lives already, it is good time for
governments and stakeholders to create the digital city life.
- Accordingly,
this flagship project of the Government of INDIA to build 100 smart
cities, have received a firm financial allocation of Rs. 7, 060 crore also
FDI norms have been relaxed to attract investors to build them.
- With
assistance from Singapore, the first city coming under this project is
Gujarat International Financial Tec (GIFT) City.
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Strengths and
Oppurtunities !
- Smart
cities project in India is very significant as, these cities promise
number of direct and indirect jobs.
- In
smart cities, Solid waste will be sucked out from homes and offices
through pipelines leading directly to a waste processing plant helping
manage everyday chores.
- Being
environmentally friendly, smart cities use sustainable materials for
building facilities.
- These
cities would reduce energy consumption and offer convenient transport
service.
Concerns !!
1. The Government has allocated Rs 7000
crore in this budget which is around Rs 70 crore per city, this is definitely
not enough. It is good only if its like a initial token amount to kick start
the project and later more funds will be arranged (which may happen in next
budget ! ).
2. The smart cities will be developed on
the outskirts of the existing cities. Its possible that instead of easing the
burden on the existing one it can become a barricaded area between rich and
poor.If the existing cities will be
ignored then smart city project would turn out to be an expensive real estate
meant to serve a few.
3. The Land development is a state subject
and states active enthusiastic participation is necessary. This can only happen
when the center can arrange enough funds for them.
MORAL of the STORY !!
The Smart cities will definitely help
India to join the urbanization race, where at present we are lagging and by
2050 we would be least urbanised country in the world at the present rate.
However, its important to ensure its equitable and inclusive nature.The thought is progressive as we need to
overhaul urban governance and infrastructure, both physical and digital.
