Exploring societal participation in making cities smart

¹ Brick School of Architecture, Pune ( India )
² Brick School of Architecture, Pune ( India )

^* Corresponding author: iitrshraddha@gmail.com

Abstract

The word ‘Future’ has been synonymous to ‘Development’ for most of the people. Architects of the Nation strive for a well-developed state, where it reaches towards enhanced living conditions than the present. In this regard of development, structure of Indian government is well defined. The policies designed at central level envision the total development. These policies make the local bodies function on the same lines. They make an impression in common people’s life that there are some positive changes in the cities. These policies also mark an identity, e.g., after implementation of city Development Plans under JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru, National Urban Renewal Mission), the buses bought for BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) had become identity of this policy. The meaning of Smart Cities in India also has been interpreted by people in many ways. For cities to become smarter it needs a holistic approach in developing a sustainable urban eco system and thus the roles of various stakeholders become very important in executing this mission. Not only the investors, financial organizations, planners, architects and people in construction industry but the citizens too have role in making cities smart. People of all age, gender, ability and disability are responsible in making a city smart. Education and awareness is the key for making them aware of their participation in the process of development. This paper also mentions the role of educational institutes to make people understand the essence of development.