Smart Cities Mission, India: Localising Sustainable Development Goals

September 28, 2023

A recent report titled “Smart Cities Mission, India: Localizing Sustainable Development Goals” reveals that over 70% of projects under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in India are in sync with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report, prepared jointly by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry and UN-Habitat, marks the first comprehensive effort to map national mission projects against global sustainability objectives. The SCM encompasses approximately 8,000 projects aimed at transforming urban areas across the country.

Mapping SCM Projects to SDGs

According to the report, while SCM projects have made significant contributions to 15 out of the 17 SDGs, approximately 44% are aligned with the objectives of SDG 11. This goal focuses on creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. Furthermore, 13.3% of SCM projects contribute to SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), 8.6% to SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), and 6.4% to SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth).

Impactful Examples

The report highlights the positive impact of SCM projects on SDGs, citing examples such as the sensor-based monitoring of water networks in Ahmedabad, which detected leakages and increased daily water supply by 50 million liters, benefiting 1.50 lakh people. Additionally, in Indore, a gravity-based network prevented 205 MLD of untreated sewage from entering rivers and drains, resulting in a healthier aquatic ecosystem.

Renewable Energy and Cost Savings

The report also showcases the Mudasarlova Reservoir Floating Solar Plant in Visakhapatnam, which generated 3,613 MWh of electricity annually, saving $0.28 million and preventing over 3,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

SCM’s Role in Sustainable Development

The report concludes that the Smart Cities Mission, encompassing 7,846 projects across 100 cities with a total worth of $22 billion, exemplifies the successful implementation of a national-scale urban mission aligned with global agendas. It empowers cities to drive sustainable development and offers valuable lessons for urban areas in the Global South.

Extended Deadline and Future Prospects

The Smart Cities Mission, initiated in 2015, was originally slated for completion by June of this year, but the Ministry extended the deadline to June 2024. Speaking at the annual Smart Cities Conclave in Indore, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri stated that of the sanctioned projects worth Rs 1.71 lakh crore, 6,069 projects worth Rs 1.10 lakh crore have been completed, with the remaining on track for completion by June 2024.

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