About Smart City India World Conference
Sabke Saath Sabka Vikas
An initiative by CMAI Association of India www.cmai.asia
CMAI is organizing a “Smart City India World Conference” slated to be held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi on 30th September, 2014.
The population across globe is increasing and more and more people are migrating to cities. The industrial revolution hundreds year before and lack of importance on agriculture and rural economy worldwide is responsible for this migration. The UN study conducted in 2011 estimated that 70% of population will live in cities by 2050.
The 21st Century is facing major challenges for humanity and cities. There is need for more cities. Due to population growth the resources are under constant threats and always falling short of needs and demands. This has resulted into need for smart cities, where resources can be effectively shared and good governance achieved for smooth citizen empowerments. Cities have challenges role to address various issues such as ICT, Urban planning, climate change, environmental matters, non-renewable resources, social and economic development, increasing populations, city infrastructures, Governance & Funding etc. Greater emphasis on cities needs cities to think independently for economic growth and sustainability of various infrastructures.
India’s urban population will reach 590 million by 2030. There would be at least 60 cities with a million plus population, at present the figure stands at 42. These cities will require an investment of US$1.2 trillion by the government for development. Government of India (GoI) is keen about ports and port management, skill development, building of smart cities and water solutions.
Govt. of India has planned to phase out National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM) and plans to launch "100 Smart Cities" in India. In the Union Budget 2014-15 GOI has allocated US$ 1.5 billion (INR 76 billion) for development of 100 smart cities. It has sought help from France and Singapore to build Smart Cities in India. GOI is planning to develop 100 smart cities as satellite towns of larger cities by modernizing and developing the existing mid-sized cities. It is imperative to develop new cities to accommodate the burgeoning population; the existing cities with limited infrastructure and land would soon turn unlivable. Since it takes 20-30 years to build a new city it is important to begin the work immediately.
IBM has taken lead for Smart Cities. According to them, Smart City are cities of the future where computing technology using improved efficiency of infrastructure and public services. Future cities will run completely on technology— be it for electricity, water, sanitation or recycling; ensuring 24/7 water supply, traffic and transport systems that use data analytics to provide efficient solutions to ease commuting, automated building security and surveillance systems, requiring minimal human intervention, and Wi-Fi-powered open spaces and houses that ensure always-on, high-speed connectivity.
A smart city's basic premise is information technology, a network of sensors, cameras, wireless devices, data centres form the key to providing essential services. Smart cities are environment friendly and use sustainable materials for building facilities and reduce energy consumption.
The concept of smart city is influenced by the idea of developing the urban hubs that run on technology to provide better electricity and water supply, improve sanitation & recycling and manage traffic & transportation systems. Smart cities are expected to improve economic efficiency, provide better quality of life and promote sustainable urban development.
Several Countries in the World are moving in the direction of Smart City such as – China, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia , France Etc
Smart City India World Conference, 2014 would be first major conference in India to address these issues and discussions among all the Stakeholders such as Government, NGOs, Private and Public Initiatives, Builders, Infrastructure providers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists to suggest strategies and implementation plans for development of Smart Cities in India.
The population across globe is increasing and more and more people are migrating to cities. The industrial revolution hundreds year before and lack of importance on agriculture and rural economy worldwide is responsible for this migration. The UN study conducted in 2011 estimated that 70% of population will live in cities by 2050.