At the 6th Elets Urban Innovation Summit 2026, held on 13th March 2026 at Taj Hotel, Chandigarh, a thought-provoking panel discussion explored a critical question shaping modern urbanisation: how can cities effectively use technology to become smarter, more sustainable, and secure, while ensuring that new risks and vulnerabilities are carefully managed.

Moderated by Dr. Binu Francis, Managing Director & Executive Director, Kerala Water Authority & Suchitwa Mission the session brought together key voices from governance, technology, and cybersecurity, including Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh; Dharmesh Sharma, Additional State Informatics Officer, NIC Punjab; Rajeev Saxena, Senior Manager, North Public Sector, Fortinet and S. P. Anandh Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of Punjab each offering a distinct yet interconnected perspective on the future of urban systems.

The conversation moved beyond the surface of “smart cities” to examine the deeper structural realities shaping urban India. From rising population pressures and resource inefficiencies to the rapid digitisation of governance and the growing risks of cyber threats, the discussion revealed that cities today are navigating a complex intersection of opportunity and strain. While technology is enabling real-time monitoring, predictive governance, and improved service delivery, it is also exposing critical gaps in infrastructure planning, resource management, and digital security.

What emerged clearly was the need for a balanced urban strategy, one that not only adopts advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics but also strengthens core systems such as water management, waste processing, and cybersecurity frameworks. The future of cities, as highlighted by the panel, will depend on how effectively they integrate these elements into a cohesive, resilient, and citizen-centric ecosystem.

Dr. Binu Francis, Managing Director & Executive Director, Kerala Water Authority & Suchitwa Mission ( Moderator ) 

As the moderator, Dr. Binu Francis set the tone by emphasising the interconnected nature of urban challenges. Drawing from his experience in water and sanitation systems, he highlighted how cities are simultaneously dealing with rising demand, resource stress, and the need for efficient service delivery.

He pointed out that digital platforms and regulatory frameworks must work hand in hand to address these challenges. Urban systems such as water supply, sanitation, and public services require not only technological integration but also strong policy backing to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. His moderation anchored the discussion around the idea that technology should serve as an enabler of better governance, not just a standalone solution.

Amit Kumar, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh

Amit Kumar highlighted the growing strain on Chandigarh’s infrastructure due to population pressures exceeding planned capacity. He pointed to critical concerns in water management, including high per capita consumption and significant non-revenue water losses caused by leakages and inefficiencies.

To tackle these issues, the city is leveraging SCADA systems and integrated monitoring tools to manage water supply and waste systems in real time. GPS tracking and command centres are improving operational efficiency in waste management, although infrastructure gaps remain. He stressed the importance of reducing losses, promoting treated water reuse, and strengthening long-term planning to ensure sustainable urban growth.

Dharmesh Sharma, Additional State Informatics Officer, NIC Punjab 

Dharmesh Sharma focused on the transformation of municipal governance through digital platforms like e-Nigam, which streamlines workflows from proposal to implementation. This shift is enabling greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in urban administration.

He also emphasised the importance of AI and IoT in transforming urban governance from reactive to predictive approaches. Real-time data integration allows authorities to forecast issues such as leakages, congestion, and service interruptions. However, he warned that this digital growth must be supported by strong cybersecurity measures, including multi-layered protection systems, Security Operations Centres, and ongoing risk assessments.

Rajeev Saxena, Sr Manager, North Public Sector, Fortinet

Rajeev Saxena emphasised that as cities adopt advanced technologies, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. The increasing reliance on interconnected systems expands the attack surface, making cybersecurity a fundamental requirement rather than an optional layer.

He advocated for approaches such as Zero Trust Architecture and stressed the need to secure both IT and operational technology systems, including water and energy infrastructure. AI-driven threat detection and integrated security frameworks can help cities respond more quickly and effectively. His key message was clear: without strong cybersecurity, digital innovation in cities can quickly turn into a significant risk.

Also Read: From Houses to Homes: Reimagining Urban Development for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities

S.P. Anandh Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Sports, Government of Punjab

S P Anandh Kumar highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in strengthening sports governance and improving service delivery for athletes across the state. He emphasised that with a rapidly growing number of participants in sports initiatives, traditional file-based systems had become inefficient, leading to delays in certification, verification, and benefit distribution.

Using Punjab’s recent initiatives as a case study, he explained how the department has developed a dedicated digital platform to streamline athlete registration, certification, and award-related processes. The platform enables end-to-end digitisation, allowing athletes, even from remote areas, to apply, upload credentials, and receive verified certificates within significantly reduced timelines. He stated that what previously took several months can now be completed within days, ensuring greater accessibility and transparency.

Conclusion: Towards Resilient, Secure & Future-Ready Cities

The panel reinforced that building future-ready cities requires more than adopting new technologies; it demands a holistic approach where infrastructure efficiency, digital governance, and cybersecurity are deeply interconnected. Cities that succeed will be those that balance innovation with resilience and security at every level of urban development.

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