The Central Government last year released a list of 98 cities from different states to be made “smart” as part of its Smart Cities Mission; and ever since, various cities have been aggressively pitching their cases as to why they must be given the “smart touch” ahead of others. But before getting shortlisted, as per the Mission’s guidelines, they require to clear a hurdle called Smart Cities Challenge, wherein a city is judged as “most ready” to be groomed into a smart city based on certain developmental and other parameters.
In the first round of Smart Cities Challenge, 20 cities qualified to be taken up first for being developed into smart cities, while the subsequent fast-track round saw 13 more cities joining the coveted list. The pattern of the selection of cities showed that “it was not swayed by the status or importance of the cities and the selection was objective and as per the stipulated criteria”, Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu had said releasing the first list.
While a large number of cities are yet to go miles towards ensuring a quality life and clean environment for their denizens, the twin city of Kalyan-Dombivili has a clear edge over others. Although it was unable to find a place in the first list, its strategic positioning and targeted use of large tracts of undeveloped lands, which can be converted into a significant growth centre in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, are some of the features that places it ahead of many other cities vying for a place in the next smart cities list.
With an aim to highlight the smart initiatives undertaken by the KDMC and help it put forward its case emphatically, the Corporation, in association with Elets Technomedia Pvt Ltd, Noida, is organising “Elets Smart City Summit-Kalyan”. Slated for 17-18 June in Kalyan, Mumbai, the Summit will lay bare the roadmap for Kalyan-Dombivli to develop into a smart city.
The two-day event will see large-scale participation from thought leaders, policy makers, industry experts and other relevant stakeholders in the smart cities domain, both from private and government sector, academia and others. It will also provide a unique platform for exchange of experiences and ideas from across the nation for the development of smart urban infrastructure.
So, be there to be a part of it!
Be its efficient public transport facility, augmented water supply network, round-the-clock availability of electricity, scientific municipal waste management, or near-foolproof safety and security scenario, Kalyan-Dombivili meets most of the parameters (of a smart city). So, it has reasons to look forward to making through the second round of Smart Cities Challenge
