Smart Cities – The Changing Face of Urban Landscape

Urban centers in India are reeling under the combined pressure of population explosion, environmental pollution and depleting resources. It is a costly and challenging process to remodel existing cities. Which is why, ever since the government announced its plan to create 100 new smart cities in India, there has been a lot of buzz around what these smart cities will be like and what problems will they solve.
Problems Identified with Existing Cities

Congested living spaces, unplanned and thriving illegal colonies.

Mismanagement of essential services like electricity and water.

Chaotic traffic and long traveling hours.

High cost of living as opposed to lower quality of life.

Poor social security, increasing cases of petty thefts as well as serious violence

Prone to environmental shocks. Not enough earthquake proof buildings or flood protection

High industrial pollution due to factories and residential areas mixed together

Poor waste management leads to dangerously polluted water bodies like Yamuna in NCR

Now let us take a look at how a smart city solve the problems of an existing metro city

Smart Cities Facilities

A smart city makes use of information and communication technology to build strong infrastructure that can respond promptly to changing circumstances. It also uses technology to build communication between the city governance and its citizens through e-participation.

Independent and self-sustaining city with schools, hospitals, offices, shopping complexes and other public places.

De-congested community living in planned societies that have ample open spaces for walking. No illegal/unauthorized construction clogging residential lands.

Computerized control of water, LPG and electricity distribution 24×7 ensuring zero wastage or black marketing.

Rapid Transit System through future-proof public transportation like high speed metros, smart buses, regularized taxi system and wider roads making commuting convenient.

Computerized and centralized traffic management, traffic lights control and real time traffic information update online which commuters can conveniently check real-time to avoid high traffic routes.

Pollution free environment due to proper arrangements for pollution control for healthy living.

Safeguard against earthquake, floods and other natural calamities

High security through use of technology in security services, public awareness, regular residents’ background verification ensuring safety of women and children.

Proper facilities of waste management and recycling. No dumping of wastage in nearby water bodies.

Adequate sports facilities for public health opportunities