What is Smart City Mission? 

The 'Smart City Mission' is an ambitious initiative by the Government of India aimed at developing urban areas across the country into well-planned, sustainable, and technology-driven cities. The mission was launched in June 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It focuses on enhancing the quality of life for citizens, improving infrastructure, and promoting efficient use of resources through smart technology. The core objective of the Smart City Mission is to create cities that offer a high standard of living, innovation, and economic development. The mission emphasizes the need for cities to be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern technology. Smart cities are expected to feature smart solutions in areas such as transport, energy, sanitation, water supply, housing, and healthcare. The approach of the Smart City Mission is not limited to building new infrastructure but also includes improving the existing urban fabric. Through this mission, the Indian government aims to address the rapid urbanization and the challenges that come with it, such as overcrowding, poor infrastructure, and environmental degradation. Key Components of Smart Cities

Urban Mobility Smart cities should have efficient and well-organized transport systems, including smart traffic management, electric buses, and better road networks to reduce congestion and pollution. Energy Efficiency Smart cities use renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy, and efficient lighting systems like LED streetlights to reduce energy consumption and dependence on fossil fuels. Waste Management The waste management system in a smart city should be sustainable, with the use of technology for waste segregation, recycling, and safe disposal. Water Management Smart cities must have efficient water supply and drainage systems, ensuring there is minimal water wastage and contamination. Smart Healthcare Smart cities are expected to have well-equipped health centers and hospitals, along with telemedicine services that allow citizens to access healthcare remotely. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) A smart city relies on ICT for governance, communication, and services like e-governance, e-commerce, and online education. Affordable Housing Smart cities focus on providing affordable and quality housing to citizens, with adequate amenities such as parks, schools, and healthcare centers. Green Spaces and Environmental Sustainability There is an emphasis on green spaces, environmental sustainability, and climate-resilient urban planning to maintain ecological balance. 

The Cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh under the Smart City Mission

Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) is an economically diverse region with significant urbanization challenges. As part of the Smart City Mission, several cities in this region have been selected for redevelopment. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for residents, provide better infrastructure, and address the region’s growing urbanization issues. The cities selected in Eastern Uttar Pradesh include Varanasi The spiritual capital of India, Varanasi, was selected as a part of the Smart City Mission. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi faces a unique set of challenges, including overcrowding, pollution, and the need for better connectivity. Under the Smart City Mission, the city is undergoing several transformative projects, such as upgrading the public transport system, improving sanitation, and creating better public spaces for tourism. The focus is also on ensuring better water management and preserving the city's heritage and cultural landmarks while incorporating modern urban infrastructure. Prayagraj Known for its historical and religious significance, Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) is another city in Eastern UP selected under the Smart City Mission. The city’s infrastructure is being upgraded to provide better civic amenities, such as improved roads, waste management, and drainage systems. Special attention is being paid to enhancing the city’s connectivity, creating smart transport solutions, and developing public spaces. Ghaziabad Ghaziabad, a major industrial hub, has been selected as part of the Smart City Mission to address its rapid urbanization. The focus is on improving the city’s infrastructure to accommodate its growing population. Initiatives such as better waste management, improved public transport, and smarter energy usage are being implemented. Moreover, a strong emphasis is placed on enhancing the city’s livability through the development of parks, recreational areas, and better housing solutions. Lucknow The state capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, is one of the key cities under the Smart City Mission. The city’s historic significance combined with rapid urbanization has made it an important focal point for modernization. Smart initiatives in Lucknow include improving the public transport system, installing modern waste management systems, and ensuring better healthcare and educational facilities for residents. The city's infrastructure is also being upgraded to handle the challenges posed by increasing urban population and traffic congestion. Characteristics of the Smart Cities in Eastern Uttar Pradesh The cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh selected under the Smart City Mission are being transformed to meet both contemporary and future urban challenges. Here are some of the key characteristics of these cities under the scheme

Modernized Infrastructure All these cities are witnessing significant improvements in basic infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, sewage systems, and drainage. Smart technologies, such as sensors and data analytics, are being integrated into infrastructure to ensure that they function efficiently. 

Sustainable Development Environmental 

Sustainability is a critical aspect of the Smart City Mission in these cities. Efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions, increase green spaces, and adopt eco-friendly technologies such as solar power and electric vehicles. Enhanced Public Transport The cities are upgrading their public transportation systems to make them more efficient and accessible. This includes introducing modern buses, improving bus stops, creating smart traffic management systems, and making use of ICT for real-time updates on transport schedules. Waste Management These cities are improving their waste management systems to be more efficient and sustainable. This includes setting up better garbage collection systems, recycling initiatives, and creating awareness about waste segregation among citizens. Smart Healthcare and Education There is a strong push to improve healthcare services in these cities by setting up smart healthcare systems and telemedicine services. Similarly, education systems are being upgraded to ensure better access to quality education and skill development opportunities. E-Governance and Citizen Engagement A critical characteristic of the Smart City Mission in Eastern UP cities is the emphasis on e-governance. This includes setting up online platforms for citizens to access government services, pay bills, and file complaints. This move towards digital governance also ensures greater transparency and accountability in public administration. Cultural and Heritage Preservation While embracing modern technology, these cities also place great importance on preserving their cultural and historical heritage. Efforts are being made to protect ancient monuments, temples, and other historical sites while integrating them into the city's modern infrastructure. Public Safety Smart cities also emphasize ensuring public safety through modern surveillance systems, smart lighting, and emergency services. These measures are designed to enhance security and ensure that residents can live in a safe environment. The Smart City Mission is a significant step toward transforming urban India into modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced cities. In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, cities such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow are undergoing significant transformations under this initiative. These cities are being equipped with better infrastructure, smart technologies, and sustainable solutions to address urban challenges. The ultimate goal of the Smart City Mission is to improve the quality of life for urban residents while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability. With the successful implementation of the mission, these cities are expected to emerge as models for other regions of India to follow.