Smart Cities Require A Smart Focus Too, Are We Prepared?
The concept of smart cities offer a developed habitable region, good working environment and sustainability through high-end urban planning and adequate provisions for utilities and control of resources. Depending upon the level of development, the approach towards a smart city advances. In fact, how the citizens are willing to accept the change and its reforms also plays an important role in the theory of smart city.
The entire thought process behind a smart city progresses in a developed country. The urban planning needs to be stringent towards implementing reforms and a reliable execution can make smart city mission possible. A smart city can only be executed if the existing infrastructure is improved, supervised and measured time to time. Following this can lead to highly sustainable development. If we talk about India, then the motive of developing a smart city becomes a bit different. Many Indian cities lack in basic infrastructure, good governance and strong base. Providing basic civic necessities should be the first and foremost thing and infrastructure should be robust and scalable.
Urban planning
A strong urban planning is the spine of every city. Though, smart city planning is not an overnight exercise, it needs good amount of time, maybe a decade or more than that with high importance given to the city's complete development. The city must foresee its existence with the detailed planning and execution. The planning should augment the city's future survival.
Sturdy financing
A strong financial support is the key for setting up of a smart city. The development of any new city would need economic drivers and when it comes to smart city then the financial inclusion should be robust and double of any regular city development. The city should be funded well if it needs to survive.
Upgraded technology
As we all know, India is heading towards adopting technology. The nation is doing huge investment in technology to get the best use of its resources. At present these investments are being done with a prospect of a decade's time. But we should not forget technology leaps quickly. We have moved from a wired world to wireless as the technology caught up. While planning, technology plays the crucial part in smart city mission. So, we must put options to adapt any kind of technological changes and obsolescence. The technological measures must be docile to alteration and upgradation.
Good connectivity
Transport plays one of the essential part in the making of a smart city. The connectivity to the smart city should be reliable and affordable. While building new cities, public transport must be the key focus. When transport system is neglected, urban mobility is crippled. The development of last mile connectivity is necessary for optimal utilisation of mass transit systems. Due to the growing population, poor urban planning and lack of investment, India's public transport has not been suitable.
Managing water cycle
Water also plays an integral part. The entire water cycle needs to be looked into, giving high importance to minimum wastage. From production to distribution and from collection to consumption, water holds the key for the success of the entire mission.
Waste management
India is still sleeping when it comes to waste management. Urban planning should approach solid waste with a focus on converting it as a resource. Sanitation and cleanliness are the starting point for any kind of new development.
Job creation
A smart city should also generate adequate employment to see a good number of footfalls. If the city fails to offer jobs, then it is not livable.
Rental option
There is an extensive need to develop houses for rent also. This will ensure that more people can shift and work in a smart city without investing a large chunk of amount in property buying. The investors and real estate developers should provide houses on rent to people who are ready to shift their base from one city to another.
Constant maintenance
To make a smart city intact, it should be maintained constantly. It should also accommodate the growing needs of citizens.