The Union government of India has launched an initiative to create smart cities. This initiative was first launched in the year 2015 and aims to target more than a hundred cities from all over India through a competition which happened between the years 2016 and 2018. A total of hundred cities were selected through this competition which have the chance to become smart cities shortly with the help of a central government plan. From Uttarakhand, only Dehradun is selected to become a smart city. The Uttarakhand capital is on the verge of becoming a sustainable and modern urban centre. Under the Smart Cities Mission by the Indian government, there are a range of projects which are currently running in Dehradun. They aim to promote the healthy well-being of citizens, improve infrastructure and create more efficient and smarter communities.

Overview of Smart City Mission

One of the major initiatives taken by the government of India was the smart cities mission which mainly focuses upon modernisation and transformation of urban cities in India. It helps to make them more sustainable, citizen-friendly and efficient through the utilisation of data-driven and technology-based solutions. It was first developed in the year 2015 by the Indian Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs. The capital city of Uttarakhand, Dehradun has been selected to be a part of Smart Cities Mission. This mission mainly focuses on the transformation of cities into sustainable and smart urban centres which provide better living quality and services for people. Moreover, this mission also includes stakeholders and citizens to participate in the implementation and planning of multiple projects. Regular awareness campaigns, citizen feedback systems, and engagement programmes are conducted by the state government to ensure that this mission aligns with the aspirations and needs of the citizens of Uttarakhand. Moreover, artificial intelligence integration has also become an important component in building online governance structures for monitoring various sectors. Artificial intelligence systems can be used in surveillance and monitoring systems to investigate and enhance public safety effectively. Overall, this will help in fostering a citizen-centric ecosystem.

Need for turning Dehradun into a smart city

Dehradun is one of the most visited places in Uttarakhand because of its magnificent views. However, due to rapid urbanisation and increasing tourism in the past few years, it is witnessing various challenges. To overcome such challenges, it must be upgraded and redeveloped. Below are the points which reflect the need to make changes in Dehradun:

• Increasing migration
• Rapid increase in the number of slums
• Growing environmental challenges due to rising pollution
• Inadequate infrastructure
• Urban sprawl
• Unorganised city growth

To overcome all these problems, it’s essential that the city needs to be upgraded into a smart city.

Key features of Dehradun Smart City Mission

The Smart City Project of Dehradun comprises various initiatives and projects which aim to transform it into a more sustainable and smarter city. While some of the projects can evolve with time below, we have mentioned current projects which are running under the Dehradun Smart City project:

1.      Improving urban mobility

The main aim of the project is to prioritise a greener and sustainable transformation system in the city. This initiative includes projects like:

Smart traffic control and management: By implementing the use of smart traffic lights the city of Dehradun aims to improve traffic and congestion in the city.

Integration of electric buses and bicycle sharing: Electrician buses are also available for the public to reduce the amount of air pollution. It also provides a more comfortable and efficient commuting experience. Moreover, a bicycle-sharing program is also planned to encourage healthy transportation and eco-friendly options. This will help to reduce traffic and pollution in the city.

2.      Water management systems

For improving the quality of water and providing solutions to issues related to water security smart water meters and automated treated water systems are being installed under this mission.

Smart water meters: They are used for accurately measuring the daily water consumption by people at non-domestic and domestic levels. These are installed in certain district metre areas of the smart city of Dehradun. The purpose of this device is that it helps to monitor real-time water usage in non-domestic and domestic areas which allows for water management and detection of water leakage.

Automated Water dispensing systems: These units are used to get pure drinking water, reducing the need for packaged water. It also helps to promote public health.

3.      Use of the latest Technology for Governance

To improve citizen engagement and city services use of the latest technology has been increased. This includes:

Doon Command & Control Centre: It will take real-time data from different sources which will help in monitoring waste management, traffic curbs and other services. It will help to take quick action.

Smart school: To make Dehradun a smart city it is essential to first focus on the education system of the state. The infrastructure of schools must be smart enough to ensure that students are updated about the latest technology. The smart school includes well-equipped classrooms, a ventilation system, clean water for drinking and proper arrangement of smart classes so that teachers and students feel comfortable in the classroom. Smart schools include a facility for conducting virtual classes, a biometric attendance system, CCTV surveillance and a library as well as a school management system.

Outreach programs: The capital city of Uttarakhand recognises that citizen participation is important for the completion of any project. Various outreach programs can be conducted to take suggestions from local people in the area. This will help to foster a sense of collaboration and belongingness among people.

4.      Infrastructure development

Many projects are being undertaken to improve the infrastructure of the city which includes:

Development of smart toilets: This project aims to construct new toilets for residents with three different complexes for handicapped, gents and ladies. These toilets will have a payment collection system and automated cleaning features. Apart from this, every washroom will have a childcare room for the comfort of ladies.

Construction of multi-utility ducts: Ducts are being constructed alongside roads for telephone cables and electricity cables. This will help to ease the process of repair work. Electricity cables and telephonic lines will be underground which will reduce the number of damage by strong storms and winds.

5.      Area Beautification

The government is also focusing on beautifying the surrounding environment. This includes focusing on creating a pleasant environment for living.

Smart Road and Clock Tower development: A smart road includes an improved area for pedestrian access and cycling lanes for cyclists. Apart from this the most iconic and old Clock Tower of Dehradun will be redeveloped to preserve its historical significance while creating vibrant public areas.

Funding for the Smart City Project

Uttarakhand Smart City Project begins with a huge budget of more than 1500 crore. It is an effort made by the government of Uttarakhand and the government of India so both of them are responsible for their funding. For this project, Rs.248 Crore has been allocated by the government of India. This fund is directly transferred to DSCL (Dehradun Smart City Limited) of Uttarakhand who is in charge of this project. DSCL is a state special purpose vehicle which is formulated for the subsequent implementation of the Dehradun Smart Cities Mission. Dehradun Smart City Limited is a private organisation whose major shareholder is Dehradun Municipal Corporation. The planning, monitoring and implementation of smart city projects is entirely done by DSCL. It plays an important role in public engagement which ensures that the smart city mission aligns with the aspirations and requirements of local people. Additionally, the government of Uttarakhand has allocated a budget of 250 crore. This financial aid given by the government is essential for the implementation of this project.

Latest updates

To date, the Dehradun Smart City Project has achieved multiple milestones in the journey. A total of 39 Projects were planned under this mission until now 18 projects have been completed to date with a total expenditure of ₹500 crore. Dehradun was listed in 2^nd phase of the smart city mission and the government allocated a total budget of ₹1,400 Crore for this project. Currently, thousands of local shops have been undergoing reconstruction with a budget of around ₹4.8 crore. Installation of water ATMs is done in many places, including bus stations, clock towers and railway stations. Although the project was meant to be completed by the end of the year 2023 still it got delayed because of the revamp of Paltan Bazaar and Parade Ground.

How do travel to the smart city of Dehradun?

The government of Uttarakhand has stated that people who want to visit the state need to first register themselves on  smartcitydehradun.uk.gov.in. After that only they will be able to enter into Dehradun smart city. After successful registration outside visitors will get an e-pass which will be used for entering into the city.

Road ahead

To become a smart city in the near future Dehradun is progressively focusing on technological advancements, citizen engagement and sustainable practices. It will offer a better living experience to its citizens and help in shaping the urban environment.