Smart Cities Must Plan Vertical Expansion To Counter Migration: Dun & Bradstreet

A recent study by Dun & Bradstreet says that the government must step in to ensure that residential facilities are affordable and inclusive in the proposed smart cities. Stressing on the fact that migration burden will grow on city resources, the study emphasised on vertical expansion of the cities. It also said that redevelopment of old properties and development of satellite cities could help manage this impending situation.

The project's success would depend on better planning and provision of basic requirements in these cities. Water and power availability were critical for the project to survive, along with construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, efficient drainage, and waste disposal/management systems, the report added.

"Without focusing on these bare necessities, the smart cities programme will not provide the desired impact. Nonetheless, the smart cities programme offers endless opportunities to infrastructure companies, not just for business, but also in terms of actively participating in propelling the nation towards rapid growth," the Dun & Bradstreet report said.

The 100 smart cities programme, an initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government, plans to make cities 'smart' by providing efficient physical, social, institutional, and economic infrastructure. The government has defined a smart city as a city that provides a decent quality of life to its citizens, a clean and sustainable environment, and supports the application of smart solutions.