Exploring the Vision and Reality of Smart Cities in India: The Case of Mangaluru

The concept of a smart city is one of great promise, designed to enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants, making living and working more convenient and efficient. India, with its rapid urbanization, has taken significant strides towards this vision. According to the Smart Cities Mission, a hundred cities in India have been selected for transformation into smart cities. However, the journey towards achieving this goal is fraught with challenges, particularly in terms of effective implementation and utilization of resources.

This article delves into the specific context of Mangaluru, a city in Karnataka, India, that is targeted for transformation into a smart city. We will explore the existing infrastructure, the challenges faced, and the potential solutions to enhance the urban environment.

Overview of Smart City Planning in India

The Smart Cities Mission in India aims to develop 100 cities, giving them the necessary infrastructure and services to make them smarter. The plan includes a huge investment to improve urban infrastructure, improve public transport, enhance digital connectivity, provide sustainable energy, efficient water use, etc. Cities need to comply with a set of predefined criteria to receive this designation, which includes factors such as economic viability, governance, environmental sustainability, and public participation.

The Smart City Designation and Mangaluru

Mangaluru, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, is among the cities selected for the Smart Cities Mission. The vision is to transform Mangaluru into a progressive and sustainable smart city, but the reality is quite different. The urban infrastructure planning for Mangaluru is woefully absent, leading to numerous issues.

Challenges in Implementing Smart City Projects in Mangaluru

One of the critical challenges in Mangaluru is the haphazard and unplanned nature of development projects. Unlike well-planned cities, Mangaluru lacks a comprehensive urban infrastructure plan. Many development projects are launched without adequate planning, leading to confusion and inefficiency.

Road infrastructure is a significant issue. The road space in Mangaluru is grossly inadequate, with many roads suffering from irregular widening and cajoling land owners to part with their land. While some land owners agree, many others resist, leading to dangerous and discontinuous road conditions.

Legislation needs to be enacted to ensure that road widths are continuous and adequate. Similarly, conduits must be provided to manage cables, wires, pipes, and drainage effectively. However, less than 60% of the places in Mangaluru have such infrastructure, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms.

Sewage and Drainage Issues in Mangaluru

Another critical issue in Mangaluru is the inadequate sewage and drainage system. Most of the liquid waste from the city is discharged into the sea or rivers without proper treatment, leading to severe water pollution. The existing drainage system is outdated and often clogs, causing dirty and unsanitary conditions on the city roads.

Efforts are also lacking in solid waste management. The contract for handling solid waste is poorly executed, with the appointed contractor focusing solely on billing without providing proper services. This results in unregulated garbage disposal, posing health risks to the citizens.

Parking and Traffic Management in Mangaluru

A significant concern in Mangaluru, as in many Indian cities, is the lack of proper parking facilities. The absence of designated parking spaces often leads to unregulated parking, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to residents and visitors.

Unfortunately, the police force in Mangaluru has not adequately addressed this issue, failing to enforce parking rules and regulations effectively. This further exacerbates the traffic chaos and hinders the progress towards becoming a smart city.

Way Forward

To turn the vision of a smart city in Mangaluru into a tangible reality, several steps need to be taken:

Comprehensive Urban Infrastructure Plan: A robust urban infrastructure plan that addresses all aspects of city management, including road widening, sewage treatment, and drainage systems, needs to be developed. Legislative Reforms: Effective laws and regulations must be put in place to ensure continuous road widths and proper management of utilities. Improved Sewage and Drainage Systems: Investments in modern sewage treatment plants and updated drainage systems will significantly improve the quality of life in the city. Effective Solid Waste Management: A proper waste management plan with stringent regulations and vigilant enforcement. Enhanced Parking Facilities: Development of designated parking areas and strict enforcement of parking rules can alleviate traffic congestion and improve the overall urban environment.

Conclusion

The journey towards becoming a smart city in Mangaluru is fraught with challenges. However, with a well-thought-out plan, robust legislation, and effective implementation, Mangaluru can overcome these hurdles and achieve its smart city ambitions. It is a journey of continuous improvement and adaptation, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.

Experience highlights the critical importance of comprehensive urban planning, legislation, and effective governance in achieving the vision of a smart city. The case of Mangaluru serves as a stark reminder of the challenges but also provides lessons for other cities aspiring to become smart cities in India.