The Smart City Mission in India Opportunities, Improvements, Challenges in the Urban Environment

Abstract

   Cities in India are growing very fast and creating a lot of problems. This is because they are not being planned well and there are not enough regulations to control the way they grow. Some of the problems include too much traffic, not enough vegetation, and homes being built in areas where they should not be. These problems are damaging the environment and will become worse in the future if we do not do something about it. In response to these problems, India launched the National Smart Cities Mission (SCM) with the aim of transforming urban areas into more inclusive and sustainable environments. The program was a response to the needs of a rapidly urbanizing population that required radical change in the built environment to create a more prosperous and egalitarian society. The project has approved a total tender amount of ₹1.84 lakh crore, which will finance new projects across the country. However, in many cases SCM does not deliver on its promises. It has distributed its resources through a grant structure that is contrary to the national strategic vision of smart urbanization. Furthermore, by expanding the definition of smart cities almost beyond recognition, it has become an umbrella for new government funding for urban projects rather than for making India's cities more digital and resilient. This raises the question of whether it is appropriate for India to invest in smart cities now, or whether these funds should first go toward expanding the systems that provide essential basic services to the population. Fortunately, the SCM approach can be modified so that new investments made under the program meet the current needs of the population and lay the foundation for smart infrastructure for the 21st century. Indeed, this is important to ensure that SCM and future urban development projects deliver solid benefits relative to their costs. This program will help make cities more eco-friendly and better able to deal with disasters like floods. It is important to have smart cities so that we can protect the environment and have better places to live.

This program will help make cities more eco-friendly and better able to deal with disasters like floods. It is important to have smart cities so that we can protect the environment and have better places to live

Keywords :- Smart City Mission, Sustainable Development, Urban Environment, Urban Planning.