3.1.2. Smart Cities

SDG 11 aims for inclusive, safe, resilient, sustainable cities and ‘smart city’ planning is a proponent of the same, as it strives develop frameworks to technologically support all basic infrastructure and services required for its inhabitants towards becoming self-sufficient. Megacities and upcoming cities, with growing issues of sustainability are struggling to preserve natural and economic resources, lean on ‘smart city’ concepts however, the ground implementation is heavily dependent on the level of development, willingness to change and availability of resources (Bordoloi and Acharya, 2023).

SDG 11 refers to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals aimed at making cities inclusive and sustainable. Smart city planning is about using technology to enhance infrastructure and services for residents. However, challenges exist. For smart city concepts to work effectively, cities need a good level of development, a readiness to adapt to new ideas, and the necessary resources to put these plans into action.

Think of it like upgrading from a regular phone to a smartphone. It requires a good network, willingness to learn how to use it, and funds to buy apps. Similarly, cities need to ensure they have the right tools and attitude before transforming into smart cities.

‘Smart’ city is a broad concept with various sub-themes; urban and regional planning, economic development, environment and sustainability, ICT and technology. Integration of digital technology with improving urban areas and public spaces, reducing environmental impact, involvement of citizens in policymaking, and utilizing entrepreneurship and human capital for urban development; thereby making networks and services more efficient, flexible, and sustainable for the benefit of its residents is the key characteristic of a Smart city.

A smart city encompasses many facets like urban planning, economic growth, and using technology effectively. The main goal is to integrate digital solutions to enhance city management, making city services more efficient while also encouraging public participation in decision-making processes. This helps achieve a sustainable urban environment that benefits all residents.

Consider a modern office that uses software to track employee productivity and client needs. This technology helps streamline operations. Similarly, a smart city uses digital tools to enhance its operations and resources, improving quality of life for its citizens.

The dimensions of Smart City are smart - people, smart living, smart government, smart transportation, smart environment and smart economy. These are further expanded to include smart technology, smart infrastructure, smart water and waste, smart agriculture and smart security.

Smart cities are multi-dimensional; they focus on developing smart infrastructure, engaging smarter citizens, implementing efficient governance, creating better transportation systems, being environmentally conscious, and fostering smarter economic practices. Each dimension connects to ensure that the city operates as a cohesive unit, providing a higher standard of living for its residents.

Imagine a well-coordinated sports team where each player understands their role and works together seamlessly. Similarly, the different dimensions of a smart city work together to enhance the overall functionality and livability of the city.

In summary, the term ‘smart’ has three conceptual elements: Technology, including hardware and software infrastructures; People and their associated attributes of creativity, diversity and education; and Community, referring to institutions, governance and policy. And the four city technological brands included under ‘Smart City’ are ‘Digital City’, ‘Intelligent City’, ‘Ubiquitous City’ and ‘Information City’. However, these must not be at the expense of social and environmental impact as ‘quality of life’ is the eventual goal of smart cities.

Smart cities revolve around three core components: the technology that supports systems in place, the diverse skills and knowledge of the people, and the governance structures that manage community engagement and policy. The goal isn't just to incorporate technology but to do so in ways that enhance life quality without harming social and environmental frameworks.

Think of a garden that thrives not just on soil and water, but also on careful planning and nurturing. A smart city needs the right technology, educated citizens, and effective governance, much like a garden needs good soil, water, and a caring gardener to flourish.

Thus, Smart City strategies help to create sustainable cities and communities by addressing social problems, optimising financial resources, and mitigating environmental consequences through conservation and controlled use of natural resources. Key features of ‘sustainable smart cities’ include compactness, population density, sustainable transport, mixed land use, green areas, passive solar design and diversity.

Smart cities not only focus on technology and infrastructure but also aim for sustainability. This means they address social issues like housing and equity while managing financial resources effectively and minimizing environmental impacts. Important features of these cities include efficient spaces, variety in land usage, green areas, and transportation alternatives that promote sustainability.

It’s similar to cooking a balanced meal. You want a variety of ingredients to ensure nutrition. Likewise, sustainable smart cities require diverse features to meet the needs of residents without harming the environment.

In June 2015, the Govt. of India launched the ‘Smart Cities Mission’ to develop sustainable and inclusive cities, keeping in mind that by 2030, 40% of the Indian population will be in urban areas and will contribute towards 75% of the GDP. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) outlined the strategic components of a smart cities as; adequate water supply, assured electricity supply, sanitation and solid waste management, efficient public transportation and urban mobility, affordable housing, robust IT and digitalisation, e-governance and citizen participation, sustainable environment, safety and security of citizens, and health and education.

India's Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, aims to create cities that are both sustainable and inclusive. The mission acknowledges that increasing urbanization is expected, so it focuses on addressing various needs, like ensuring accessible water and electricity, improving waste management, offering affordable housing, promoting public transport, and enhancing safety and education through digital means.

Think of a school that upgrades its facilities to accommodate more students and improve their learning environment. Similarly, India's mission is to enhance urban infrastructure to meet the growing population's needs and improve quality of life.

The mission envisioned 100 cities across the country and strategized based on area-based development through retrofitting, redevelopment, greenfield development, and pan-city initiatives. There are several schemes, such as, Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), Swachch Bharat Mission, National Heritage city Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY), Digital India, Skill Development, Housing for All, etc., that offer complementarity to the Mission and convergence of these is promoted. Three tiers of monitoring, at national, state and city level is proposed, and while it is presently centrally funded, it requires state government and urban local bodies to contribute equal amounts for implementing the Smart City, approximately 100 crores per city per year for 5 years. The total allocated investment stood at Rs.205,018 crore ($ 27.6 Billion) as of March 2021 and a recent Rs.16,000 crore has been allocated in Budget 2023. Presently, MoHUA reported that more than two-thirds of the total 7,804 projects have been completed.

The Smart Cities Mission is designed to develop 100 cities through various strategies focusing on either upgrading existing areas or building entirely new developments. Several complementary schemes support this mission. Funding comes from both central and state government contributions, and a significant investment has already been allocated, with many projects already accomplished. Monitoring is also structured at different government levels.

Consider a large community project funded by both a local government and private donations; progress is tracked regularly to ensure accountability. Similarly, the Smart Cities Mission emphasizes shared funding and oversight to ensure cities develop effectively.

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