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What Do “Smart Cities” Mean? Analyze their applicability to India’s urban growth. Will the disparities between rural and urban areas grow? Provide justifications for “Smart Villages” in the context of the RURBAN Mission and PURA. (200 words) [UPSC 2016]
Smart Cities are urban areas that use digital technology to enhance performance, well-being, and reduce costs & resource consumption across the city. They integrate information and communication technology (ICT) with Internet of Things (IoT) to manage assets and resources efficiently. Features include smart infrastructure, intelligent traffic management, sustainable energy solutions, and improved public services.
Relevance for Urban Development in India
Smart cities aim to improve urban living standards by offering better public services, such as clean water, efficient waste management, and reliable transportation. For instance, Ahmedabad and Pune have implemented smart traffic management systems to ease congestion and improve air quality.
They focus on sustainable development by incorporating green technologies and renewable energy sources, reducing the environmental footprint of urbanization. The Delhi Smart City Project emphasizes solar energy and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Smart cities attract investments and create job opportunities in technology and infrastructure sectors, contributing to overall economic growth.
Impact on Rural-Urban Differences
While smart cities aim to address urban challenges, they risk increasing rural-urban disparities by concentrating resources and development in urban areas. This can lead to the neglect of rural areas and exacerbate inequalities.
Arguments for ‘Smart Villages’
PURA aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas by providing urban-like amenities in rural settings. Implementing smart technologies in villages can improve quality of life, infrastructure, and economic activities, thereby reducing migration to cities.
The RURBAN Mission focuses on transforming rural areas by integrating urban amenities, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. Smart villages would benefit from this approach by fostering sustainable development and empowerment in rural areas.
Conclusion
While smart cities are crucial for urban development in India, there is a need to balance this with initiatives for smart villages to prevent widening rural-urban gaps. Programs like PURA and the RURBAN Mission can help in creating sustainable and inclusive development across both urban and rural areas.