The central government is focused on transforming the major cities under the SMART city mission. Currently, the target is to develop 100 cities with modern facilities, infrastructure, and support by 2023. There is no universal definition that could define a smart city in its true sense. The idea of this varies from individual to individual, city to city, location to location and country to country. The transformation of a city depends upon the level of development, resources, flexibility to change and reform along with the support and help of the city residents.
The smart city mission would only be possible if the builders aim to develop an urban ecosystem. The ecosystem includes comprehensive development of the physical, social, institutional and economic infrastructure. There is no magic wand that can bring this change at once, this has to be incremental and gradually in layers. The cities that have adequate water supply, sanitation, and waste management system, assured electricity supply, efficient commute facility, digitization and etc are few core infrastructure elements in a smart city. For the true success of the Smart city mission and developing smart cities involves below a few points:
Employment Opportunities – Globally, the world is adapting to modern technologies and with machine learning and artificial intelligence, automation is being considered as a threat to several job opportunities. A smart city should efficiently utilize technology and create more employment in the city. The city should promote entrepreneurs to contribute to job creation. Co-workspace and incubators are infrastructure innovations that offer the platform (especially for IT and ITES domain) to invest and promote jobs in the city.
Digitization for daily needs – With the introduction of UPI by the central government has brought a revolutionary transformation in the country. The reforms like demonetization clearly shows that enforcement of digital transaction is the ultimate way to improve digitization. For a smart city, simple digital changes are required which the residents could use regularly on a daily basis. The local vendors turning into digital payment options, POS machines, QR Codes and NFC payments. Along with this, e-spark centers where all municipal related guidelines, schemes, bill payments, documents submission and etc could also be included.
Security for all – A city cannot be entitled as “smart” unless and until it has a modern security and safety measures installed. The state governments should install cameras, new artificial intelligent techniques, advanced security scanners and systems and data-driven crime mapping around the corners of the cities. The high traffic areas like hospitals, schools, colleges, market shops, and etc should be kept under surveillance and monitored using automated algorithms and smart ways to reach to the nearest hospital or police station in the case of emergency. The design of the security system should be such that it is meant for the safety of every resident of the city.
While the above points are a must for a smart city but the list does not end here. Affordable housing, Housing for all, and creating walkable localities play an important role too. This Smart City mission would only be possible if the central, state government and the residents work together in harmony.
