What is Smart City Mission

Smart City Mission was launched by Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD)GoI in which 100 cities were to be selected for Urban renewal and retrofitting with the objective to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, give a decent quality of life to their citizens and apply smart solutions to improve services and infrastructure. Srinagar Smart City project was approved in Round 3 challenge held in April 2017.Smart city project comprises of two parts:

(a) Area Based Development with an estimated amount of Rs. 2869.24/- crores and
(b) Pan city Solutions with an estimated cost of Rs. 765.03/- crores

Srinagar Smart City Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was incorporated on September 08, 2017 under the Companies Act, 2013 and the company is limited by shares. Srinagar Smart City Limited is governed by the Board of Directors with its Chairman, Administrative Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, J&K and in case of UT Level High Powered Steering Committee (HPSC) for Smart City Srinagar. it is headed by Chief Secretary, Government of J&K.

Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL); a Special Purpose Vehicle created under Smart City Mission envisions transforming Srinagar into an eco-friendly, resilient and socio-economically vibrant city that celebrates its natural and cultural heritage creating harmony and opportunities for all. SRINAGAR SMART CITY aspires to leverage its Natural & Cultural heritage/ tourism, through innovative and inclusive solutions, enhance the quality of life for its citizens. SRINAGAR SMART CITY aspires to leverage its Natural & Cultural heritage/ tourism, through innovative and inclusive solutions, enhance the quality of life for its citizens.

A "smart city" is an urban region that is highly advanced in terms of overall infrastructure, sustainable real estate, communications and market viability.

• It is a city where information technology is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents.
• There are many technological platforms involved, like automated sensor networks and data centres, etc.
• Though this may sound futuristic, it is now likely to become a reality as the 'smart cities' movement unfolds in India.

The concept of smart cities originated at the time when the entire world was facing one of the worst economic crises. In 2008, IBM began work on a 'smarter cities' concept.

• By the beginning of 2009, the concept had captivated the imagination of various nations across the globe.
• Countries like South Korea, UAE and China began to invest heavily into their research and formation.
• Today, a number of excellent precedents, such as those in Vienna, Aarhus, Amsterdam, Malta, the Songdo International Business District near Seoul, Verona, GIFT city etc.

Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and retrofitting program by the Government of India with a mission to develop 100 cities.

• The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (GOI) is responsible for implementing the mission
• The objective is to promote cities that provide:
• Core infrastructure
• Give a decent quality of life to its citizens
• A clean and sustainable environment
• Application of "Smart" Solutions.

Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are described below:-

• Promoting mixed land use in area based developments - planning for 'unplanned areas' containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change.
• Housing and inclusiveness - expand housing opportunities for all.
• Creating walk able localities - reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security. The road network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling distance.
• Preserving and developing open spaces - parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in Areas and generally promote eco-balance.

• Promoting a variety of transport options - Transit Oriented Development (TOD), public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity
• Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective - increasingly rely on online services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles to reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal offices. Forming e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online monitoring of programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of work sites;
• Giving an identity to the city - based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc
• Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.