Recently Smart cities initiative has been launched with an aim to build 100 new cities and using digital technology in providing smart urban livability and establishing new centers of growth.
Though the scheme is positive step towards addressing the issues of migration and over-congestion of existing cities it grapples with challenges like
1) RESISTANCE FROM COMMUNITIES- specially farmers who has shown opposition in acquisition of their arable land for developing smart cities . The prospect of having an urbanized landscape and improved lifestyle seems to be inadequate in allaying the fears of alienation and joblessness.
2) OVER EMPHASIS ON TECHNOLOGY- It envisage to create centralised data repository and managing key service like traffic etc., however data transparency is questionable. The elite could use the data to create relatively greener enclaves,
consigning polluting activities to the poor quarters of the city.
3) Ignores the various possible interaction and confrontation that may occur between its different section. for instance The inclusion of migrants, poor dwellers
and other marganalised section is debated.
Despite these apprehensions, building of smart cities is need of the hour. It is essential that its various components viz smart economy, environment, living, mobility and people are given adequate attention to make them smart in spirit.
Though the scheme is positive step towards addressing the issues of migration and over-congestion of existing cities it grapples with challenges like
1) RESISTANCE FROM COMMUNITIES- specially farmers who has shown opposition in acquisition of their arable land for developing smart cities . The prospect of having an urbanized landscape and improved lifestyle seems to be inadequate in allaying the fears of alienation and joblessness.
2) OVER EMPHASIS ON TECHNOLOGY- It envisage to create centralised data repository and managing key service like traffic etc., however data transparency is questionable. The elite could use the data to create relatively greener enclaves,
consigning polluting activities to the poor quarters of the city.
3) Ignores the various possible interaction and confrontation that may occur between its different section. for instance The inclusion of migrants, poor dwellers
and other marganalised section is debated.
Despite these apprehensions, building of smart cities is need of the hour. It is essential that its various components viz smart economy, environment, living, mobility and people are given adequate attention to make them smart in spirit.