India is gradually inching closer towards its dream of having world-class smart cities. Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Hardeep Singh Puri today said that currently all 100 Smart Cities have established their SPVs, constituted their City Level Advisory Forum (CLAF) and all cities have appointed PMCs, indicating that all these Smart Cities are in Mission mode.

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Puri further informed that Integrated Command and Control Centres becoming operational in 15 cities has resulted in enhanced efficiency in governance, management of traffic, law enforcement, improved citizen grievance redressal and reduced criminal incidents on city streets and public spaces.

“ICCCs have also reduced traffic violations, improved efficiency in solid/liquid waste management, water and wastewater management as well as air quality management”, he said. The Minister also laid emphasis that the time has come when the need for the City governments to take ‘digital leadership’ has become more pronounced. "Making cities ‘Data Smart’ is key in realizing the full potential of technology interventions and innovation ecosystems in cities," he said addressing an Apex Conference on Smart Cities.

The minister said that to achieve sustainable growth, the cities will have to become more liveable and safer with clean air; adequate infrastructure; reliable utilities; and opportunities for learning and employment.  

Secretary MoHUA, Durga Shanker Mishra , who was present on the occasion, said that citizens are at the core of Smart City Mission and added that it has the largest level of citizen engagement. Mishra emphasized on three core ideas of Smart Cities, i.e., liveability, economic ability and sustainability.

Mishra said that cities in India have become a centre of focus for business and are a means to enhance livelihoods.

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"Cities in India face a range of challenges to meet demand and supply gaps in urban regions, in such areas as water, waste management, energy, mobility, the built environment, education, healthcare and safety. The plans announced by the Government for 100 smart cities and 500 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) cities are being implemented in a structured approach towards urban management. These programmes have opened up avenues for local industry and global players to participate in the development of cities," he informed.

The Smart Cities Mission aimed at promoting cities that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment and application of ‘Smart’ Solutions.