Tamil Nadu is actively seeking the central government’s support to include 15 of its cities in the upcoming Smart City 2.0 initiative, expected to launch by 2025. This new phase of the Smart City program aims to select 100 cities through a special-purpose vehicle for the development of civic, mobility, and infrastructure projects. On Monday, key state leaders, including Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru and DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi, presented the proposal to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to benefit from the initial Smart City program, which began in 2015. The state had 12 cities, including Chennai, selected for the first phase, marking the second-highest number of cities chosen, just behind Uttar Pradesh. With nearly 98% of the allocated Rs. 18,000 crore spent under the original scheme, Tamil Nadu is pushing for an expanded role in the new phase.
Smart City 2.0: Key Features and Objectives
The Smart City 2.0 initiative focuses on transforming cities through advanced infrastructure, efficient mobility solutions, and enhanced citizen services. Here are some of the key components that will be considered when selecting cities for this program:
- Focus on Energy and Sustainability: Cities must ensure that at least 10% of their energy requirements come from solar sources. Wastewater recycling and intelligent traffic management systems will be mandatory.
- Citizen-Centric Features: To promote safety and convenience, cities will implement smart digital applications for citizens, alongside systems that improve citizen safety.
- Waste Management and Cleanliness: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be a major component, with a focus on cleanliness and waste management. Successful implementation will earn cities valuable points.
- Revenue and Service Efficiency: Cities will also be assessed based on their ability to generate internal revenue, operate online grievance redressal systems, and ensure timely delivery of services.
Top Cities in Tamil Nadu Likely to Benefit
Tamil Nadu plans to prioritize its major cities for the Smart City 2.0 initiative, including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. These cities are expected to receive significant attention, given their current growth and development potential.
Additionally, smaller but fast-growing cities will also be targeted. The focus will not only be on established cities but also on emerging urban areas that are poised for growth, such as the Outer Ring Road (OMR) areas in Chennai.
The state’s Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Secretary, D. Karthikeyan, emphasized that the selection would be driven by assessments of existing city models and how well they align with the central government’s criteria. This may include an evaluation of infrastructure, citizen services, and sustainability measures.
Challenges and Concerns
While Tamil Nadu’s push for Smart City 2.0 is an exciting opportunity, it is not without its challenges. Critics argue that the focus of the previous Smart City program was too narrow and did not address the needs of all urban areas equally.
For example, in Chennai, out of the Rs. 1,000 crore allocated for development, only Rs. 600 crore was used in T. Nagar, with limited success. Residents and urban planning experts point out that the focus should expand to other growing areas like OMR, which have seen rapid urbanization but lack the infrastructure to keep up.
Moreover, experts urge the inclusion of more mobility-focused projects, such as Bus Rapid Transport Systems (BRTS) and infrastructure for non-motorized transport. These features are crucial for creating an eco-friendly, sustainable urban environment.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Another major concern is the call for transparency in the Smart City program. Activists are demanding the release of a report submitted by the PWC David Committee, which investigated allegations of corruption in the previous phase of the Smart City initiative. Critics, including Jayaram Venkatesan, Convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, argue that the lack of transparency could lead to misuse of funds in the new phase. They warn that without proper accountability, the Smart City 2.0 could become a “money-minting exercise” rather than a genuine effort at urban transformation.
Conclusion: A Step Forward for Tamil Nadu’s Urban Development
As Tamil Nadu pushes for its place in the Smart City 2.0 initiative, the state’s leaders are optimistic about the potential for urban transformation. With a focus on energy sustainability, improved mobility, and better citizen services, the program offers a unique opportunity to modernize cities. However, it is crucial that the lessons from the first phase, including concerns over accountability and equitable development, be taken into account. If implemented effectively, Smart City 2.0 could pave the way for a more sustainable and livable future for Tamil Nadu’s urban centers.
Refer :
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