Introduction

The Government of India (the "Government") has, in its statement on the smart cities mission (the "Mission"), refrained from defining smart cities. It has instead relied on a more practical approach - to spell out its objective, which is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and provide the stakeholders - the citizens, a decent quality of life, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'smart' solutions. It aims at building a sustainable model based on inclusive development that can be replicated over time throughout the country. The Mission presently proposes to cover a total of ninety eight (98) cities in the next five (5) years. On June 25, 2016 twenty (20) cities were chosen for the launch of first phase of the Mission.

Need for Smart Cities

Cities accommodate nearly 31% of India's current population and contribute 63% of GDP (Source: National Census 2011). Urban areas are expected to house 40% of India's population and contribute 75% of India's GDP by 2030. This would require a comprehensive development, overhaul of the existing physical, institutional, social and economic infrastructure in many of the areas. The Mission adopted by the Government is a step in that direction. It is intended to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people by enabling local development by harnessing technology as a means to create smart outcomes for citizens.

The core infrastructure elements of a smart city encompass the following:

  • Adequate water supply;
  • Assured electricity supply;
  • Sanitation, including solid waste management;
  • Efficient urban mobility and public transport;
  • Affordable housing, especially for the poor;
  • Robust IT connectivity and digitalization;
  • Good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation;
  • Sustainable environment;
  • Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and
  • Health and education.

In the approach to the Mission, the objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure and give a good quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of 'smart' solutions. In short, "....the core infrastructure elements of a smart city cover urban mobility, water and electricity supply, sanitation, housing, e-governance, health and education, security and sustainability, all bounded and harnessed by the power of information technology".

...