How Smart Cities are transforming urban landscapes – A case study of Srinagar and Jammu

The evolution of smart cities dates back to the 1970s with the advent of urban big data projects, such as Los Angeles’ “Cluster Analysis,” and accelerated in the early 2000s with initiatives like IBM’s “Smarter Cities” program and Cisco’s “City Intelligence” platform. The concept gained momentum worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America, before spreading to emerging economies like India.

In 2015, India launched the Smart Cities Mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aiming to develop 100 smart cities across the country. This mission focuses on creating inclusive and sustainable cities that enhance the quality of life for citizens by leveraging technology and innovation.

The Srinagar and Jammu Smart Cities Mission is a significant initiative under the larger Smart Cities Mission in India. Srinagar, known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage, and Jammu, a major economic hub in the region, were selected as part of this mission to undergo comprehensive urban development. The mission in these cities aims to enhance liveability, promote economic opportunities, and improve governance through the implementation of smart technologies and innovative urban planning strategies.

Conceptual Framework

Defining smart cities involves a multidimensional approach that draws from various literature sources. Smart cities are municipalities that utilize information and communication technologies (ICT) to increase operational efficiency, share information with the public, and enhance government services and citizen welfare.

Key components of smart cities include infrastructure, governance, and citizenship. Infrastructure encompasses the physical structures and systems that support a city’s operations, such as transportation networks, energy grids, and communication systems. Governance refers to the mechanisms through which decisions are made and implemented within a city, including policies, regulations, and citizen engagement strategies. Citizenship emphasizes the role of residents in shaping and benefiting from smart city initiatives, promoting inclusivity and participation in urban development processes.

The conceptual framework of smart cities underscores the importance of integrating technology, data analytics, and connectivity to address urban challenges effectively. By leveraging ICT solutions, smart cities aim to optimize city functions, drive economic growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Understanding these foundational principles is essential for evaluating the impact of smart city projects on urban landscapes and communities.

Background

Srinagar and Jammu are two major cities of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. According to the 2011 census, the urban population of the erstwhile state of J&K was 3.4 million, with the Kashmir Valley accounting for 63% of the total urban population. Srinagar city alone accounts for 55% of the urban population in the valley, with a population of approximately 1.2 million. The Srinagar and Jammu Smart Cities Mission aims to leverage the natural and cultural heritage of these cities to enhance the quality of life for their citizens.

Before the Smart City project, Srinagar and Jammu faced several socioeconomic challenges. The cities needed more infrastructure, including transportation networks, waste management systems, and public services. The urban population faced issues such as unemployment, poverty, and inadequate access to healthcare and education.

However, the Smart City project has brought about significant improvements in these areas. The project has led to the development of smart transportation systems, efficient waste management practices, and improved public service delivery. The focus on sustainability has also led to reduced energy consumption and improved environmental quality. These improvements have contributed to the economic growth of the cities, attracting investments and creating job opportunities in sectors such as information technology, renewable energy, and urban infrastructure development.

From Vision to Reality: Smart Cities Reshaping Srinagar & Jammu

The Srinagar and Jammu Smart City projects have significantly transformed the urban landscape of these cities, leading to substantial improvements in infrastructure development, waste management practices, and public service delivery. As a result, the economic growth of these regions has been bolstered through investment attraction.

• Improved infrastructure development

According to a study conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Smart City mission has led to the construction of new roads, bridges, flyovers, and underpasses across India. In Srinagar and Jammu, the project has focused on developing integrated transport networks, enhancing road connectivity, and upgrading existing infrastructure facilities. For instance, the construction of the Jhelum Riverfront Project and the Tawi Riverfront Development Project in Srinagar and Jammu have created new recreational spaces and improved waterfront accessibility.

• Efficient waste management practices

Effective solid waste management is critical for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in urban environments. The Smart City project has introduced advanced waste collection and disposal methods in Srinagar and Jammu, reducing pollution levels and improving sanitary conditions. For example, Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) at different places encourage the scientific disposal of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste products for the protection of the environment. In Jammu, GPS-enabled vehicles for waste collection have been implemented as part of the Smart City project to enhance waste management practices. This initiative aims to improve efficiency in waste collection by utilizing technology to track and optimize waste collection routes, leading to better sanitation and reduced pollution levels in the city.

• Enhanced public services delivery

The Smart City project has aimed to deliver high-quality public services to residents, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in governance. For instance, the establishment of e-governance platforms both in Jammu and Srinagar.      

In Srinagar

              – Implementation of citizen-centric services using ICT interventions.      

In Jammu

              – Implementation of Grievance Redressal Mechanism.

              – Implementation of citizen-centric services using a web-based application.

              – Implementation of citizen-centric services using ICT interventions.

Economic Impacts of Smart City Mission in Jammu and Srinagar

By leveraging the principles of the Smart City Mission, both cities have seen a transformation in their economic landscape, attracting investments and fostering development in key sectors such as tourism, trade, and quality of life improvements. Notable projects completed under the Smart City Mission include the construction of multi-level parking facilities, renovation of stadiums, installation of LED street lighting, and the development of emergency healthcare infrastructure The economic importance of these projects extends beyond immediate gains to long-term sustainability and vibrancy. 

The Smart City Mission envisions Jammu as a sustainable and economically vibrant city that leverages its heritage and location to promote tourism, trade, and overall quality of life. Similarly, Srinagar aims to become an eco-friendly, resilient, and socio-economically vibrant city that celebrates its natural and cultural heritage through innovative solutions. These initiatives not only enhance economic opportunities but also contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of the cities’ residents by creating a conducive environment for growth and development.

Other Benefits

Smart city initiatives like the ones in Jammu and Srinagar offer a range of benefits beyond economic impacts. One significant area of improvement is the enhancement of the quality of life for residents. Through the implementation of smart technologies, these cities have been able to provide better living conditions by improving transportation systems, enhancing public services, and ensuring access to technology-driven amenities. Residents benefit from increased convenience, comfort, and overall well-being as a result of these improvements. Moreover, safety and security have been significantly enhanced in smart cities like Jammu and Srinagar. Innovative technologies such as connected law enforcement facilities, and state-of-the-art emergency call services contribute to creating safer communities.

These advancements improve emergency response times and help prevent and reduce crime rates, ultimately fostering a sense of security among residents. Smart cities also prioritise environmental sustainability by promoting green initiatives, optimizing energy consumption, and reducing environmental impact. Integrating renewable energy sources, efficient waste management systems, and sustainable urban planning practices contributes to creating environmentally conscious and resilient urban environments.

Localizing SDGs in Srinagar and Jammu through the Smart Cities Mission

Over 70% of projects under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) are in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on cities, clean water and sanitation, clean energy and economic growth, according to government data.

By examining Srinagar and Jammu cities that are a part of the SCM, we can analyze how sustainable development is being localized through urban planning initiatives targeted at improving infrastructure, sanitation facilities, community participation and liveability for residents. The localization of SDGs is key for on-ground implementation and measurable progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

By delving into the specifics of these cities within the SCM framework, we can observe how sustainable urban development is being actualized at a local level.

1. Construction of Public Toilets: The SCM in Srinagar and Jammu has prioritized the construction of gender-sensitive and universally accessible public toilets to improve sanitation in public spaces, aligning with SDG 6 goals.
2. Innovative Sanitation Facilities: Cities like Srinagar have implemented initiatives like “SHE lounges” and “Pink Toilets” exclusively for women, enhancing safe access to improved sanitation facilities, which contributes significantly to achieving SDG 6 targets.
3. Smart Urban Planning: The SCM’s people-centric approach, exemplified by neighborhood-led planning challenges like India Cycles for Change and Streets for People, integrates community engagement and infrastructure development, including sanitation facilities, aligning with SDG 6 objectives.
4. Infrastructure Development: Projects in both cities focus on enhancing basic infrastructure and services to improve liveability outcomes in urban areas, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Challenges 

The Smart City missions in Jammu and Srinagar face several challenges that must be addressed to ensure effective implementation and long-lasting outcomes. Some of the primary obstacles encountered include:

Developing infrastructure and implementation: The major challenge lies in developing the necessary infrastructure and implementing projects efficiently. The pace of work often falls short of expectations, leading to delays and frustration among stakeholders.

1. Coordination of multiple agencies: The presence of multiple agencies involved in various projects leads to lopsided planning and uncoordinated execution. The absence of clear communication and cooperation among stakeholders creates confusion and hinders progress Addressing this issue requires establishing strong lines of communication and fostering a culture of collaboration.
2. Traffic and road congestion: As urban populations grow, managing traffic flow becomes increasingly difficult. Road closures and construction sites create additional challenges for commuters and businesses alike.
3. Waste management: Solid waste management remains a critical concern in both cities, particularly in densely populated areas. Effectively tackling this problem requires robust waste collection and disposal systems.
4. Heritage structure preservation: Preserving historic buildings and monuments is vital to maintaining the unique character of these cities. However, many heritage structures remain neglected without proper management.

The tardy progress in completing key projects, such as the construction of flyovers and heritage conservation initiatives, has raised concerns about meeting project deadlines and achieving desired outcomes within stipulated timelines. The city’s existing infrastructure bottlenecks, traffic congestion, solid waste management issues, and inadequate civic amenities have further compounded the challenges faced by both cities. Addressing these challenges requires a dynamic approach to project management, enhanced coordination among implementing agencies, and a concerted effort to accelerate the pace of work to realise the mission’s objectives effectively.

Aside from current challenges, the Smart City missions in Jammu and Srinagar may pose new challenges related to increasing resource strain, potential displacement of marginalized communities, data privacy concerns, and cybersecurity risks. Carefully considering these potential pitfalls and taking appropriate steps to prevent them is essential for ensuring the long-term viability and success of these initiatives.

An overview:

The Smart City projects in Srinagar and Jammu, offer valuable insights into urban development strategies and best practices. Comparing these projects can shed light on effective approaches to smart city implementation.

Comparison between Srinagar and Jammu Smart City Projects: Both Srinagar and Jammu have been sanctioned in the All India competition of the Smart City Mission by the Government of India, with a focus on leveraging natural and cultural heritage to enhance citizen welfare. The projects aim to transform these cities into sustainable and economically vibrant urban centres by integrating technology and infrastructure improvements. By examining the progress and outcomes of these initiatives, valuable lessons can be learned for future smart city endeavours.

Analysis of Best Practices Adopted: The execution of the Smart City projects in Srinagar and Jammu has faced challenges such as infrastructure development delays and coordination issues. However, efforts are being made to improve urban governance, enhance quality of life, and drive economic growth through innovative solutions. Best practices observed during project execution include a focus on social, physical, institutional, and economic infrastructure improvement. These initiatives aim to create livable, economically viable, and sustainable urban environments that cater to diverse resident needs. By analysing the strategies employed in these projects, valuable insights can be gained for optimizing future smart city implementations.

Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Smart City Development

The Smart City projects in Srinagar and Jammu offer valuable insights into urban development strategies and best practices that can be applied to other cities or towns. Here are some key lessons learned and recommendations for devising similar initiatives elsewhere:

Lessons Learned:

1. Infrastructure Development Challenges: The projects faced delays in infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of efficient project management and timely execution.
2. Coordination Issues: Multiple agencies involved in the projects led to planning discrepancies, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.
3. Focus on Governance: Efforts to improve urban governance have been crucial in enhancing quality of life and driving economic growth through innovative solutions.
4. Sustainability Initiatives: Emphasizing sustainability through energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental quality improvements has been instrumental in attracting investments and creating job opportunities.

Recommendations:

1. Leverage Natural and Cultural Heritage: Focus on leveraging the unique natural and cultural heritage of each city to enhance citizen welfare and promote sustainable development.
2. Enhance Infrastructure: Prioritize the integration of technology with social, physical, institutional, and economic infrastructure improvements to create livable and economically vibrant urban centres.
3. Improve Urban Governance: Implement measures to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in governance processes to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
4. Promote Sustainability: Introduce initiatives that focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental quality to attract investments and create job opportunities.
5. Citizen-Centric Services: Develop citizen-centric services using ICT interventions to ensure transparency, accessibility, and inclusivity in governance processes.
6. Address Socioeconomic Challenges: Target issues such as unemployment, poverty, healthcare access, and education to improve overall well-being and prosperity.

By incorporating these recommendations inspired by the experiences of Srinagar and Jammu Smart City projects, other cities or towns can optimize their urban development strategies, foster economic growth, and create sustainable environments that cater to the diverse needs of their residents.

References

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5. Master Plan-2035- Srinagar Metropolitan Region https://jkhudd.gov.in/pdfs/Master-Plan-2035-ReportFinal.pdf.

6. Kashmir, R. (n.d.). Jammu and Srinagar smart cities undergoing massive transformation. Rising Kashmir. http://risingkashmir.com/jammu-and-srinagar-smart-cities-undergoing-massive-transformation-a72ecf80-37da-4fb8-b5cd-c6140f1ea978

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