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Mahesh

22/01/25 09:18 AM IST

Status of the Smart Cities Mission

In News
  •  The June 2015 announcement of 100 smart cities aimed to create models of urban development.
Smart cities mission
  • The smart cities initiative was based on the Internet of Things (IoT), a framework that works well in advanced capitalist countries where basic utilities are already in place.
  • In contrast, in India, where basic services are still out of reach for many, “smart cities” essentially mean providing fundamental amenities to residents.
  • The plan included two key components — pan-city proposals which includes IT-enabled services like mobility and waste management; and Area-Based Development (ABD) which was restricted to specific zones within a city, focusing on retrofitting, redevelopment, and greenfield projects.
  • Additionally, governance of these projects bypassed local governments, relying instead on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) registered under the Companies Act, and managed like private companies.
  • City councils were excluded, based on the assumption that private company-like structures could deliver better results. 
SCM in Shimla
  • Shimla’s smart city plan adhered to guidelines, including pan-city initiatives and ABD projects.
  • The city had proposed a mix of retrofit and redevelopment projects within ABD.
  • The retrofit project had targeted improving city wide pedestrian crossings, vehicular mobility on circular roads, and three transport corridors in addition to underground ducting and parking provision.
  • Additional features were also added that included eco-adventure tourism, and water security through storm water and spring water management.
  • A total of 244 acres of land was supposed to be retrofitted.
  • Redevelopment projects focused on Lower Bazar, Ganj Bazar, and Krishnanagar. The aim was to replace dilapidated, unsafe buildings with modern, resilient, earthquake-safe structures that could boost tourism.
  • The total estimated investment for Shimla was ₹2,906 crore, with funding sources as follows — ₹897.80 crore from Public-Private Partnerships (PPP); ₹101.77 crore through municipal bonds; ₹205.57 crore from external borrowings; and ₹348.49 crore from State and Union government schemes, and the rest from other sources.
  • However, as of now, according to the Smart City dashboard, only ₹707 crore (24% of the original budget) has been spent: ₹53 crore on completed projects and ₹654 crore on ongoing ones.
  • The proposed PPP contribution has not yet materialised. 
Outcome of the Mission
  • None of the funds have been utilised for the redevelopment of the Lower Bazar, Middle Bazar, or Krishnanagar.
  • Traffic congestion has worsened, and despite initial plans, non-motorised mobility remains neglected. Instead, funds were spent on flower pots worth ₹2 crore.
  • Moreover, large, visually intrusive structures were erected for escalators that remain non-operational, obstructing Shimla’s iconic valley views.
  • As the Smart City Mission approaches its final chapter, the lessons are glaringly evident.
  • Projects devoid of meaningful urban governance and public involvement, are bound to fail. With no ownership or accountability, the smart city vision has faded into oblivion. 
Source- The Hindu

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