16-May-2024-Editorial

SMART CITIES MISSION 

The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015.  

The mission aims to transform 100 cities across the country to enhance the quality of life for citizens through sustainable and inclusive development, leveraging advanced technologies.  

The mission’s deadline, initially set for 2020, has been extended to June 2024. 

Objectives of the Smart Cities Mission 

• Ensure availability of essential services like water, electricity, sanitation, and urban mobility. 
• Improve living standards by enhancing urban infrastructure and amenities. 
• Promote green practices and eco-friendly development. 
• Utilize Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to manage urban resources efficiently. 
• Focus on long-term viability and inclusivity in urban planning. 
• Develop dense urban areas to optimize resources and infrastructure. 
• Create models that can be replicated in other cities across India. 

Components of the Smart Cities Mission 

Area-based Development: 

• Redevelopment: Renewal of existing urban areas to upgrade infrastructure and amenities (e.g., Bhendi Bazar, Mumbai). 
• Retrofitting: Enhancing existing areas to be more efficient and sustainable (e.g., Local Area Development in Ahmedabad). 
• Greenfield Projects: Development of new urban areas with a focus on sustainability and smart technologies (e.g., New Town in Kolkata, Naya Raipur, GIFT City). 

Pan-City Solutions: Implementation of ICT solutions across various sectors, such as: 

• E-governance 

• Waste management. 
• Water management 
• Energy management 
• Urban mobility 
• Skill development 

Governance Structure 

Establishment: 

• Formed under the Companies Act, 2013. 
• Headed by a bureaucrat or a representative from a multinational corporation. 

Role: 

• Responsible for planning, appraising, approving, and releasing funds. 
• Implements, manages, operates, monitors, and evaluates Smart City development projects. 

Current Status of SCM 

• Completed Projects: 5,533 projects completed with funding of Rs. 65,063 crores. 
• Ongoing Projects: 921 projects worth Rs. 21,000 crores are in progress. 
• Funding Pattern: Envisioned through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) routes. 

Government Initiatives Supporting SCM 

• Atal Mission for Urban Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). 
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U). 
• Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0. 

• TULIP-The Urban Learning Internship Program. 

What is a Smart City? 

Global Context: 

• The term gained prominence post-2009 financial crash, representing cities with advanced ICT integration. 

Indian Context: 

• A city that plans judiciously to meet its aspirations and challenges sustainably while fostering good governance. 
• Ensures basic infrastructure and uses ‘smart’ solutions for better services and development. 

Challenges Faced by the Smart Cities Mission 

• Lack of Clarity in Definition: Ambiguous definition of a ‘smart city’ leading to varied interpretations and difficulty in resource allocation. 
• Top-Down Approach: Limited role of elected representatives, raising concerns about democratic governance and accountability. 
• Flawed City Selection Process: Competitive selection overlooked diverse urban realities, focusing on less than 1% of a city’s area, leading to exclusion. 
• Example: Chandigarh invested Rs. 196 crore into one pocket-sector 43. 
• Inadequate Funding and Scope: McKinsey reports estimate that USD 1.2 trillion is needed to improve urban livability by 2030, making the allocated Rs. 1,67,875 crore insufficient. 
• Governance Structure Issues: The SPV model bypassed traditional city governance, not aligning with the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act. 
• Less than 5% funding achieved through PPP. 
• Displacement and Social Impact: Projects led to the displacement of poorer communities and increased urban flooding due to disrupted water channels. 

Steps Needed to Strengthen the Smart Cities Mission 

Governance and Implementation: 

• Appoint a dedicated CEO with a fixed tenure. 
• Ensure representation of experts and stakeholders. 

• Include Members of Parliament (MPs) in State-Level Advisory Forums. 

Project Focus and Priorities: 

• Emphasize pan-city projects for comprehensive development. 
• Protect digital infrastructure against cyber threats and ensure data privacy. 

Capacity Building and Funding: 

• Strengthen capabilities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in small cities. 
• Provide central government assistance for capacity building in states needing support. 

Project Completion: 

• Focus on timely completion of projects. 
• Ministry’s role should extend beyond fund transfer to ensure execution and completion with expert intervention. 

Conclusion 

The Smart Cities Mission aims to transform urban living in India through sustainable and inclusive development, leveraging advanced technologies.  

Despite challenges in clarity, governance, funding, and implementation, strategic steps and dedicated efforts can drive the mission towards successful completion, improving the quality of life for citizens in the targeted cities.