Are Smart Cities the New Reality?

Similar to smart homes, the idea behind smart cities is to upgrade the quality of living for its citizens through intelligent technology. Essential components of a smart city include ultra-modern facilities, enhanced infrastructure, round-the-clock security, and other digitally improved community features.

Theoretically, smart cities could benefit developing economies. Although it’s never been carried out, the concept is drawing attention from every corner of the globe. Successful implementation of a smart city would require government support, strategic planning, immense financial backing, and public cooperation.

India’s Smart Cities Mission

India is on track to be the first country to fully integrate smart cities. In 2016, the Government of India’s announced Smart Cities Mission, a retrofitting urban renewal initiative with the goal of redeveloping 100 existing cities into smart cities. In addition to improving the lives of residents, the upgraded cities are expected to have a positive effect on the surrounding areas.

The 100 cities have been selected for the initiative through the Ministry of Urban Development’s Smart City Challenge in which Indian cities competed for the change to be redeveloped. Upon being selected for the program, the cities are receiving federal support as well as some local financial contributions.

Smart Cities Mission, which welcomes innovative idea submissions from citizens, has been viewed with general positivity by the people of India. The program is creating many jobs in various sectors, including information technology, data analytics, and e-governance.

What will Indian smart cities look like?

Technology has become an essential component of human life. To many, life without technology seems to be incomprehensible. Digital advancements have led to the emergence of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, the Internet of Things, materials science, and 3D printing.

These advancements play a vital role in the development of smart cities in India. Digital upgrades of Indian smart cities will focus on reinforcement, security, and a people-friendly atmosphere. The government is informing the citizens of the purposes and benefits of the planned technology.

For example, LED lights will take the place of ordinary lights to ensure well-lit public areas in remote corners of the city. Digital cameras will also be installed in crime-stricken areas with the intent of reducing crime rates in those neighborhoods.

Does more security mean less privacy?

While the evolution of technology is thrilling and promising, it can also be daunting. Tech advancements such as AI can be implemented for improved safety, but they also minimize privacy and present potential safety risks of their own.

The top priority of cybersecurity is to ensure safety and mitigate risks for those who use technology. In the realm of smart cities, some security organizations are developing applications meant to secure user data and protect privacy.

The short- and long-term impacts of India’s smart cities are difficult to predict. However, as the cities are redeveloped with digital upgrades, the rest of the world will be eagerly waiting to see the results.