What is Smart City Mission main characteristics

What is 'Smart City Mission'? Discuss the main characteristics of cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh selected under this scheme

Urbanization is growing rapidly in India. Cities are becoming hubs of economic growth, innovation, and employment. But at the same time, they face many challenges like traffic congestion, pollution, lack of water supply, poor sanitation, and housing issues. To improve the quality of life in urban areas and to make them more livable and sustainable, the Government of India launched the Smart City Mission in 2015. The Smart City Mission aims to transform Indian cities into modern urban centers that are citizen-friendly, sustainable, and efficient. Under this mission, several cities have been selected from all over India, including a few from Eastern Uttar Pradesh. In this article, we will explain what the Smart City Mission is and examine the key features of the cities selected under this scheme in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

What is Smart City Mission?

The Smart City Mission is a flagship program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25th June 2015. The aim of the mission is to promote cities that provide:

• Good infrastructure
• Clean and sustainable environment
• Smart solutions to everyday problems
• Efficient public services
• Safety and security
• Better quality of life

The idea is not only to improve the physical infrastructure like roads, electricity, and water but also to use digital technology and smart governance to improve the way cities are managed.

Objectives of Smart City Mission

The main objectives of the Smart City Mission are:

1.Improving Urban Life: Provide basic services like water, electricity, sanitation, and waste management in a reliable and cost-effective way.

2.Use of Smart Technology: Make use of technology such as CCTV cameras, Wi-Fi, mobile apps, GIS, and data analytics to improve governance and public services.

3.Citizen Participation: Involve citizens in planning and decision-making processes to make the city more people-friendly.

4.Sustainable Development: Promote renewable energy, green buildings, electric vehicles, and energy-saving methods.

5.Economic Growth: Create better business opportunities and employment through modern urban infrastructure.

6.Better Mobility: Improve public transport, reduce traffic congestion, and promote pedestrian-friendly roads.

Key Features of a Smart City

A smart city includes the following elements:

• 24x7 Water and Power Supply
• Sanitation and Solid Waste Management
• Efficient Urban Mobility and Public Transport
• Affordable Housing
• IT Connectivity and Digitalisation
• Good Governance (E-Governance and Citizen Participation)
• Sustainable Environment
• Safety and Security of Citizens
• Health and Education Services

Selection Process of Smart Cities

Initially, the target was to develop 100 Smart Cities over a period of 5 years. The cities were selected through a competitive process known as the “Smart Cities Challenge”, in which cities had to submit development plans. These proposals were judged based on their potential, public participation, and financing model.

The selected cities were provided financial assistance by the central and state governments. The central government promised to provide Rs. 500 crore per city over 5 years.

Smart Cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh

From Uttar Pradesh, 10 cities were selected under the Smart City Mission. Among them, some important cities from Eastern Uttar Pradesh were selected. These are:

1.Varanasi

2.Gorakhpur

3.Prayagraj (Allahabad)

Let us now discuss the major features and developments taking place in each of these cities under the Smart City Mission.

1. Varanasi Smart City

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It is a major religious, cultural, and tourist hub of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Smart City Initiatives in Varanasi:

• Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC): Helps monitor traffic, safety, pollution, and waste collection in real time.
• Smart Roads: Underground cabling, pedestrian-friendly paths, LED streetlights, and smart parking systems.
• Waste Management: Modern garbage collection systems and scientific disposal methods.
• Riverfront Development: Beautification of the ghats, cleaning of the Ganga River, and better tourist facilities.
• E-Governance: Online services for property tax, water bills, and complaint registration.
• Public Wi-Fi: Several areas now offer free internet access.
• Green Transport: Promotion of e-rickshaws and non-motorized transport.
• Smart Classrooms: Upgradation of schools with smart boards and digital tools.

2. Gorakhpur Smart City

Gorakhpur is an important city in eastern Uttar Pradesh known for its religious importance and geographical location near the Nepal border.

Smart City Projects in Gorakhpur:

• Flood Management: As Gorakhpur is flood-prone, smart drainage and water-logging management systems are being developed.
• Modern Traffic Management: Installation of smart traffic lights, CCTV cameras, and GPS-enabled buses.
• Improved Public Transport: Construction of modern bus shelters and introduction of city buses.
• Digital Governance: E-municipal services are being made available online to residents.
• Waste-to-Energy Projects: Efforts to convert solid waste into energy and bio-fertilizer.
• Affordable Housing: Building housing projects for the urban poor.
• Green Parks and Open Spaces: Renovation of parks and the creation of eco-zones.
• Command and Control Centre: Helps manage emergencies, monitor public services, and track crime.

3. Prayagraj (Allahabad) Smart City

Prayagraj is famous for the Kumbh Mela, the Triveni Sangam, and its deep cultural roots. It is also a growing education and administrative hub in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Smart City Features in Prayagraj:

• Kumbh Infrastructure: Special arrangements were made for sanitation, traffic, and lighting during Kumbh using smart city funds.
• Smart Poles and Streetlights: LED lights with CCTV cameras and public Wi-Fi facilities.
• Heritage Conservation: Preservation and development of historical buildings and religious places.
• Public Transport: Improved bus systems, new bus terminals, and e-vehicles.
• Smart Parking Systems: Digital boards showing real-time parking availability.
• Solid Waste Management: Door-to-door waste collection and proper disposal systems.
• Digital Education: Computer labs and smart classrooms in government schools.
• E-Health Services: Introduction of telemedicine and digital health cards for citizens.

Common Smart City Benefits in Eastern UP Cities

All three cities have seen some common benefits:

1.Better Infrastructure: Roads, drainage, lighting, and cleanliness have improved.

2.Employment Generation: New jobs in construction, digital services, and maintenance.

3.Tourism Promotion: Better facilities have helped increase tourist footfall.

4.Safety and Security: With CCTV and monitoring centers, crime rates have decreased.

5.Public Participation: People are now more aware and active in city development.

Challenges in Implementation

Despite the progress, there are some challenges:

• Slow Project Execution: Many projects get delayed due to bureaucratic red tape.
• Land Acquisition Problems: Delays in acquiring land affect construction work.
• Funding Issues: State governments sometimes delay releasing funds.
• Technical Manpower: Lack of skilled manpower in smaller towns.
• Maintenance of Assets: Once created, smart assets need proper maintenance, which is sometimes ignored.

Future Prospects

With the help of the Smart City Mission, Eastern Uttar Pradesh’s cities are slowly moving towards becoming modern urban centers. The state and city governments are trying to complete projects as early as possible.

In the future, we can expect:

• Expansion to Other Cities: Other towns may also adopt smart practices even if they are not officially smart cities.
• More Digital Services: Increased use of technology in all public services.
• Cleaner and Greener Cities: Focus on sustainability and pollution control.
• Improved Quality of Life: Citizens will have access to better services and facilities.

The Smart City Mission is a major step toward modernizing Indian cities. In Eastern Uttar Pradesh, cities like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj are undergoing a major transformation under this scheme. These cities are using technology to solve urban problems and provide better services to their residents.

Although challenges remain, the mission has created a strong foundation for future urban development. With continuous efforts, strong leadership, and citizen participation, the dream of smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities in Eastern Uttar Pradesh can surely become a reality.