The concept of ‘Smart Cities’ shouldn’t be allowed to die. Our cities are currently cesspools of slums and garbage; the poor are being crushed in long commutes and forced to live in hovels

... [H]ere’s the proposition: Smart Cities is a progressive concept and should not be allowed to die. Our cities are today cesspools of slums and uncleared garbage. The poor are being crushed in long commutes and forced to live in hovels that can scarcely be called homes. Smart Cities must signal holistic development of existing cities on priority; and greenfield ones if there are funds. 

‘Smart Cities’ was initially a lifted concept from the Scandinavian and West European cities. It meant technology-driven modernisation — from well-synchronised traffic lights and intelligent homes to driverless transportation. It has important lessons for India, but our urban problems are more basic. Our need of the hour is basic housing, efficient transportation and infrastructure that will lift people from the hell holes they are condemned to today. 

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