The statement that “smart cities in India cannot be sustained without smart villages” highlights the importance of integrating rural and urban areas for balanced and sustainable development. This perspective is crucial given the interdependence between cities and their surrounding rural regions.

Rural-Urban Integration:

1. Economic Interdependence: Cities and villages are economically interconnected. Urban areas rely on rural regions for raw materials, food supplies, and labor. Conversely, villages depend on cities for markets, infrastructure, and services. Developing smart villages ensures a stable supply chain and economic resilience, which supports the sustainability of smart cities.
2. Migration and Urban Pressure: Rural areas often face migration pressures as people move to cities in search of better opportunities. Without improvements in rural infrastructure and quality of life, migration can lead to overcrowding and strain urban resources. Smart villages can mitigate this by improving local livelihoods, reducing migration pressures on cities.
3. Sustainable Development: Smart villages promote sustainable practices, such as renewable energy, efficient agriculture, and waste management, which contribute to overall environmental health. Sustainable rural practices reduce the ecological footprint of urban expansion and support the broader goal of smart city sustainability.
4. Balanced Growth: Integration of smart villages with smart cities fosters balanced regional development. Investments in rural infrastructure, education, and health services create a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, leading to a more cohesive socio-economic landscape.

In conclusion, the sustainability of smart cities is closely linked to the development of smart villages. Integrating rural and urban areas ensures economic stability, reduces migration pressures, supports sustainable development, and promotes balanced growth, making the concept of smart cities more viable and effective.