Hyderabad: While Rs 7,000 crore was allotted by the Union government for creation of 100 smart cities with world-class amenities across India, only Rs 70 crore will be spent per city and this Budget has made provision for a primary study, consultants and site selection only, said urban planning experts.
Introduction of Green Field Projects by converting under-developed pockets like Medchal, Shamirpet, Appa Junction, Pantancheruvu etc. as satellite cities wherein resident won’t have to travel to core cities for work or purchase is important, say experts.
Professor Srinivas Chary, director, Urban Governance and Infrastructure Development, ASCI, said, “A smart city is a combination of technology and processes for service delivery in a cost effective manner. As per global standards, ‘smart’ is about energy and resource efficiency to minimise the carbon footprint. The budget allotted is just the beginning. A smart city cannot be developed overnight, however, the initial Budget is a preparatory fund to raise resources through public-private partnership and invite investors.”
The Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT, that is under-construction, costs Rs 60,000 crore. Experts say that Rs 70 crore for a smart city is basically to create the framework, prepare the private sector and invite investments.
“By creating and identifying economy opportunities, housing and various services, the city by itself would be considered smart. It’s a great opportunity for Telangana and AP to prepare the ground and incubate four-five smart cities,” added Professor Chary.
Sanjay Torvi, architect and urban designer, said, “De-centralisation beyond Outer Ring Road must be initiated. Hyderabad should become self-sustainable. The state government should integrate the existing cultural and social structure.”
