Q.11 With a brief background of quality of urban life in India introduce the objectives and strategy of the Smart City Programme. [4+8.5=12.5 marks]

It is estimated that around 32% of Indian population resides in cities. They contribute around 63% of GDP. Numerous challenges are present in Indian cities. The Quality of life in Urban India has left much to be desired.

A recent study by NITI Ayog concluded that the level of urbanisation was not par with the level of urban population increase. Some challenges faced by Indian cities can be categorised as,

• Institutional: Urban governance, planning, finances, regulation.
• Infrastructural: Housing, Transport, Drinking water and sanitation.
• Others: Employment opportunities, Globalisation, Crime rate, Slums, etc

Smart city programme was launched with the focus on 100 cities nominated by state governments and selected for mixed area development.

Its objectives are to provide

• Sustainable and inclusive cities
• Reduce regional disparities
• Create climate resilient cities
• Adopt smart technologies and e-governance
• Mixed area development
• Smart housing with an integrated approach

Strategies adopted:

    Categorisation based on built up area

• City improvement
• Retrofitting
• 500 acres
• City renewal
• Redevelopment
• 50  acres
• City extension
• Green field development
• Vacant area
• 250 acres
• Innovative planning
• Plan Financing
• Plan Implementation

Pan-city development envisages the application of smart solutions to the existing infrastructure.