The Centre has prepared a blueprint to define the key elements of the 100 smart cities it plans to establish across the nation. The cities were one of the main promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.
The government has allocated Rs 1000 crore for each city which will be selected according to its population. Eight cities with more than four million people have been identified and they will have a satellite smart city.
45 cities with one to four million people will be upgraded to a smart city. 17 capital cities also qualify, irrespective of their population. There will be at least 10 other smart cities with tourist and religious significance.
The Centre is currently working out the details of the ambitious plan by organising workshops with state secretaries. A national workshop with state CMs is planned in October followed by the approval from the Union Cabinet in November.
The programme is likely to be launched on December 25, the birthday of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Here are the five main elements of the proposed smart cities identified by the Urban Development Ministry:
1. In terms of infrastructure, the smart cities should have 24x7 availability of high quality utility services like water and power.
2. A robust transport system that emphasises on public transport is also a key element.
3. In social infrastructure, the cities should provide opportunities for jobs and livelihoods for its inhabitants.
4. The smart cities should also have proper facilities for entertainment and the safety and security of the people. State-of-the-art health and education facilities are also a must.
5. The smart cities should minimize waste by increasing energy efficiency and reducing water conservation. Proper recycling of waste materials must be done in such cities.
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