CHALLENGES OF INDIA’S SMART CITIES INITIATIVE

GS2 GOVERNANCE 

Launched in 2015, India’s Smart Cities Mission aimed to develop 100 cities with advanced infrastructure and sustainable practices. Nearly a decade later, the initiative faces numerous challenges, with many projects falling short of their objectives. The concept of a “smart city” has often been misunderstood, with emphasis placed on basic amenities rather than the integration of advanced technologies.

What is a Smart City? A smart city uses digital technology to enhance urban services like transport, energy, and waste management. In India, the focus has been more on addressing basic infrastructure needs, in contrast to global definitions that prioritize advanced technology and efficiency.

Objectives of the Smart Cities Mission

• Improve core infrastructure and quality of life.
• Promote clean and sustainable environments.
• Implement smart solutions for urban challenges.
• Foster sustainable and inclusive development.

Key Components of the Mission

• Area-Based Development (ABD): Retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects.
• Pan-City Solutions: Implementing ICT across urban sectors.

Governance Structure The mission relied on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) formed under the Companies Act, which sidelined local governments. This model has been criticized for lack of accountability and public involvement.

Challenges Faced

• Lack of Clarity: Ambiguity in defining a smart city has led to ineffective resource use.
• Top-Down Approach: Exclusion of local elected representatives has undermined democratic governance.
• Flawed City Selection: The competitive selection process overlooked the unique needs of different cities.
• Inadequate Funding: Insufficient financial resources have hindered the achievement of ambitious goals.

Case Study – Shimla Shimla’s inclusion as a smart city came after legal battles. The plan included retrofitting old areas and redeveloping new ones, with an emphasis on pedestrian and traffic management. However, progress has been slow and inefficient:

• Budget: ₹2,906 crore, with only ₹707 crore spent.
• Issues include worsened traffic congestion, neglected pedestrian mobility plans, wasted funds on non-essential items, and unusable infrastructure like blocked escalators.

Current Status and Future Prospects Initially set to complete by 2020, the mission now faces delays, with the latest deadline set for June 2024. Many projects remain incomplete or poorly executed.

Recommendations for Improvement Experts suggest:

• Appointing dedicated CEOs for improved governance.
• Involving local stakeholders in project planning and execution.
• Focusing on holistic urban development with pan-city projects.
• Enhancing capacity building for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure better outcomes.