Parliamentary Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs
Source: The Hindu
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Smart Cities Mission
Why in the News?
The Parliamentary Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs emphasizes the need to launch the second phase of Smart Cities Mission for tier-2 cities
News in Brief
- A parliamentary committee has emphasised the need to launch the next phase of the Centre’s flagship Smart Cities Mission with a thrust on tier-2 cities located within 100 km of State capitals.
- The Standing Committee on Housing and Urban Affairs also cautioned that digital infrastructure created under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) could be misused.
- Hence there was a need to ensure right to privacy and the securing of digital platforms from cyber attacks.
About Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at transforming urban centres into technologically advanced, sustainable, and citizen-friendly spaces. Launched in June 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ambitious program seeks to tackle the challenges posed by rapid urbanization while leveraging digital technologies to enhance the quality of life for residents.
Facts on Smart Cities Mission
- Scope: The mission initially aimed to develop 100 smart cities across the country. Each selected city undergoes a comprehensive planning process to identify key areas for improvement and implement smart solutions.
- Budget: The Government allocated Rs 48,000 crores ($6.8 billion approximately) for the Smart Cities Mission, demonstrating its commitment to urban development and innovation.
- Components: The mission focuses on several key areas, including smart governance, urban mobility, sustainable environment, affordable housing, robust infrastructure, and high-quality public services.
- Selection Process: Cities were chosen through a competitive process based on their proposals, which outlined their vision, potential, and strategies for becoming smart cities. The selection criteria emphasized citizen participation, feasibility, and innovation.
- Implementation: Projects under the Smart Cities Mission are executed through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), which are autonomous entities responsible for planning, financing, and executing initiatives in their respective cities.
Examples
- Indore: One of the early success stories of the Smart Cities Mission, Indore in Madhya Pradesh, has implemented various smart solutions such as intelligent traffic management systems, public Wi-Fi hotspots, and waste management initiatives, leading to improved cleanliness and efficiency.
- Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Odisha has leveraged technology to enhance urban mobility through initiatives like smart bus stops, bike-sharing systems, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. These efforts have resulted in improved transportation access and reduced congestion.
- Pune: Known for its vibrant IT industry, Pune has embraced the Smart Cities Mission by focusing on sustainable development and innovation hubs. The city has implemented projects such as smart street lighting, e-governance platforms, and integrated public transportation systems.
Way Forward
- The Smart Cities Mission represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s urban landscape and addressing the complex challenges of urbanization.
- By harnessing the power of technology, innovation, and citizen engagement, the initiative aims to create cities that are more livable, inclusive, and resilient.
- To ensure the long-term success of the Smart Cities Mission, continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of strategies are essential.
- Additionally, fostering partnerships with the private sector, academia, and international organizations can bring in expertise, resources, and best practices to further accelerate urban development and innovation.
- Ultimately, a people-centric approach that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of citizens will be critical in shaping the smart cities of tomorrow.
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