Role of Smart Cities in sustainable urban development

financialexpress.com:

Sustainability in today’s world is more than just a fleeting phenomenon; it signifies enduring practices that can thrive over time and be embedded in our practices. The notion of smart cities carries immense potential to invigorate, include, and enhance urban life. The initiation of India’s smart city program is commendable as it marks the outset of a journey toward positive transformation and alleviate urban living standards.

The Smart City initiative in India has seen varied success across different regions in India, despite the diverse challenges of implementing such a large-scale national program. The program has made significant strides in certain areas, with different aspects gaining prominence in various parts of the country, such as the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in Ahmedabad, has significantly improved urban mobility. Pune’s emphasis on waste management through initiatives like the “Pune Waste-Wise Cities” program has led to more efficient waste collection and processing. In Bhubaneswar, the focus on citizen participation has been notable, with the “Bhubaneswar.me” platform encouraging residents to engage with and contribute to city planning processes. The city of Surat has made remarkable progress in flood management through the implementation of smart water management systems, reducing the impact of monsoon floods.

Now, for the program to evolve and lead to truly sustainable urban development, specific elements related to infrastructure need urgent review. Key infrastructure components such as water supply, power distribution, waste management, and public transportation are critical to the success of smart cities. Each city has unique needs and challenges, necessitating a case-by-case approach. By