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Smart Cities Mission
Introduction:
- Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 25, 2015, the 100 Smart Cities Mission aims to foster the development of smart cities in India.
- Led by the Union Ministry of Urban Development in collaboration with state governments, the mission targets completion between 2019 and 2023.
Need for the Smart Cities Mission:
- Urban areas in India currently accommodate approximately 31% of the population and contribute significantly to the GDP.
- By 2030, cities are expected to host 40% of the population and contribute 75% to the GDP.
- This rapid urbanization presents challenges in managing infrastructure and service delivery, prompting the need for efficient solutions offered by the Smart Cities Mission.
Vision for Smart Cities Mission:
- The mission aims to address the complexities of urban life by implementing smarter management solutions.
- It envisions cities equipped to monitor and integrate infrastructure for optimized resource utilization and enhanced citizen services.
Objective:
- The primary goal is to foster sustainable and inclusive urban environments.
- This is achieved through the provision of essential infrastructure and the application of smart solutions like data-driven traffic management and intelligent lighting systems.
Core Infrastructure Elements:
- Smart cities prioritize essential infrastructure elements such as water supply, electricity, sanitation, urban mobility, affordable housing, IT connectivity, governance, environmental sustainability, safety, security, health, and education.
Coverage:
- The mission encompasses 100 cities distributed among states and union territories based on equitable criteria.
- This ensures comprehensive coverage and equal attention to urban development across the nation.
Strategy:
- The mission employs area-based development, focusing on city improvement, renewal, and extension, alongside pan-city initiatives.
- This holistic approach aims to address all aspects of urban development, ensuring balanced and inclusive growth.
Administrative Structure:
- Strict guidelines ensure effective monitoring at the national, state, and city levels.
- Dedicated committees oversee implementation and track progress, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Financing:
- Financing the mission is a collaborative effort involving contributions from state governments, urban local bodies, and various financing mechanisms.
- These mechanisms include municipal bonds, borrowing from financial institutions, and leveraging funds from other government schemes.
Convergence with Other Government Schemes:
- Efforts are made to align the Smart Cities Mission with other urban transformation programs like AMRUT and SBM.
- This integration maximizes impact and resource utilization, creating synergies across different initiatives.
Countries Supporting India’s Smart Cities Mission:
- Leading economies worldwide have expressed interest in partnering with India for smart city development.
- Through collaboration and investment, these nations aim to contribute to India’s urban transformation journey.
Budget Allocation:
- Significant budgetary allocations demonstrate the government’s commitment to the mission’s success.
- Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, increased funding utilization reflects a resilient dedication to achieving objectives.
Status Update:
- As of March 2021, the mission has made substantial progress, with investments totaling approximately Rs. 205,018 crore.
- This includes tendered projects, work orders issued, and completed projects, showcasing ongoing development despite challenges.
Conclusion:
- The Smart Cities Mission represents a forward-thinking endeavor dependent on meticulous planning, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring.
- With a focus on public-private partnerships and leveraging global interest and expertise, the mission strives for transformative impact across multiple dimensions of urban life.
