Critically evaluate the Smart Cities Mission in achieving sustainable urban development and enhancing quality of life in India. (Answer in 250 words)

Recently we have completed 10 years of the Smart Cities Mission launched in 2015 for urban revolution of infrastructure.

Success of smart cities mission

In sustainable Development

1. Land use zoning - reducing river encroachment & pollution.

2. Resilient infrastructure - building disaster proof urban areas.

3. Pollution reduction - compliance with measures under CSCAP & CCC cities.

4. Reducing urban sprawl through planned development (eg transit oriented development).

In enhancing quality of life

1. Improved safety & security - installation of over 26,000 CCTV networks (CECO Survey).

2. Increased water availability - creation of multiple wetland tanks.

3. Better Public Transport - creation of 1500+ smart bus stops.

4. Improvements in Sanitation - successful implementation of WASH schemes.

However, the smart cities Mission has also seen some limitations

1. Repeated instances of Urban Floods (eg delhi floods in 2024).

2. Degradation of newly created infrastructure (eg bridge collapses).

3. Increasing pollution levels - as per World AQI report (Gout 10) most polluted cities in India.

4. Safety issues in public transport.

5. Persistent problem of urban sprawl and slum formation.

6. Repeated hazards & disasters (eg Rajkot Fire incident).

Action oriented swamp of the Mission

Convergence with AMRUT 2.0

Learning from global best practices (eg Singapore's city in a garden model)

A new version of the mission is needed to achieve SDGII sustainable cities & communities.