SMART CITIES – A BIG CHALLENGE

Government of India has decided to develop 100 smart cities in India with the concept that cities are engines of economic growth and would create large employment opportunities in the country. Peoples of India welcomed and appreciated this step of Government of India.  Developing of smart cities is not an easy task in our country, therefore, the time has come to support to Government mission of smart cities.

Indian cities are highly polluted cities in the world. India is a developing country; per capita income is very much less in comparison developed countries. On the other hand India accounts about 2.4% of world’s geographical area and 4% water resources, but has to support about 17% of world’s human population and 15% of livestock. One of the biggest barriers in development of smart cities is lack of smart city culture in our country. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has vital role in development of smart cities but limited access in the cities of our country. The Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been facing problems in collecting data since Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is not the part of our routine life.

Development of smart city is associated with the economic development of the country. Therefore, it has become imperative to develop facilities in the cities to make city more attractive for investors and for job seekers. All these facilities cannot be developed in overnight; it would take ten to fifteen years and, therefore, has to be developed in phased manner. In the first phase main emphasis should be given to clean and pollution free city, availability of clean water and electricity, affordable houses, intra-city transportation facilities, employment opportunities and security of peoples.

Conclusion

As discussed above development of smart cities is not an easy task in our country, implementing the first phase would be very difficult and challenging. The courses related to the smart cities should be included in school and college education. The advantages and importance of smart cities should be advertised through various channels. Government should concentrate for fast development of information and communication technology to make it part of routine life of the peoples and develop information sharing centers.