A smart city is a well-planned urban area that integrates information and communication technology (ICT) with physical infrastructure, enabling efficient management and delivery of services. It utilizes technology to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, promote sustainable development, and optimize resource utilization.
Selection Process for Smart Cities
The Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) used a competition-based method to select cities for the Smart Cities Mission. Cities were invited to submit proposals outlining their vision for becoming smart cities and how they would use the funding to achieve their goals. Proposals were evaluated based on a set of criteria, including the city’s current infrastructure, its potential for growth, and its commitment to sustainability.
The smart city policy has four main components, which are
First is, Area-based development, which focuses on improving a specific area within the city, such as a slum, a heritage site, or a business district, by providing better infrastructure and services; Second is Pan-city development, which involves applying smart solutions to the entire city, such as smart traffic management, smart waste management, or smart governance.
Third is, City-level enabling components, which include creating a special-purpose vehicle, a project management unit, a smart city center, and a citizen engagement platform, to facilitate the execution and monitoring of the smart city projects. and last is, Innovation and best practices, which involve sharing and learning from the experiences and achievements of other cities, both within and outside the country.
Some of the key advantages of smart cities include:
Smart cities use technology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their infrastructure, such as transportation, energy, and water systems. For example, they can use smart grids to manage energy consumption more effectively, which can help to reduce costs and environmental impact. They can also use sensors to monitor water levels and leaks, which can help to conserve water and prevent water damage.
Smart cities can also provide economic benefits. For example, they can attract businesses and investment, which can help to create jobs and boost the economy. They can also reduce costs, such as energy costs and transportation costs, which can free up money for other investments.
Citizen-Centric Services’ mission is to provide efficient and accessible public services to citizens through the use of technology. This includes improved transportation systems, e-governance initiatives, and digital connectivity.
They can improve the quality of life for citizens, enhance infrastructure, promote sustainable development, provide economic benefits, and increase citizen engagement. As India continues to urbanize, smart cities are likely to play an increasingly important role in the country’s development.
The Smart Cities Mission is a visionary and ambitious policy, which aims to transform the urban landscape of India and to make it more livable, sustainable, and competitive. It is expected that the policy will have a positive impact on the social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of the urban life, and will also contribute to the national development goals and the global commitments.
Conclusion
As we all know, the Smart Cities Mission for 2026 envisions urban development at its zenith, facilitated by seamless access through CSC registration. The initiative encourages individuals to apply for CSC services, thereby fostering community engagement and empowerment. The convergence of CSC Seva with the Smart Cities Mission ensures efficient implementation and accessibility. As cities evolve into smart urban centers, the collaborative efforts with CSC exemplify a commitment to digital inclusivity, making essential services readily available for a more connected and technologically advanced urban future.