CII has  organized  Smart Cities Conference-2015 today at Hotel Taj Vivanta, Lucknow.The conference sees the overwhelming response from participants, decision makers from the government, industry and the citizens.The conference discussed in detail on how to integrate services and measures that will reduce the environmental footprint of cities, increase their appeal, and safeguard quality of life—all without any adverse effects on the efficiency of utilities.  

“UP government, first mover in Smart Cities looking at Smart Villages concept” said Mr Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. 

Speaking at the Smart Cities Conference organized by Confederation of Indian Industry and IGBC, today in Lucknow, Mr Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Infrastructure and Industrial Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized on the planning aspect for the Smart Cities to be sustainable. He underlined the key ingredients for growth of Smart Cities being that to give a decent quality of life, provide sustainable and inclusive growth and is a replicable model.  He also outlined the importance of the strategic component for smart cities, as re-development, retrofitting, renewable and redevelopment. He further stressed on the need for a holistic view while planning the Smart Cities. Mr Gupta emphasized on the key role that Urban bodies had to play in development of Smart cities and also on the role of Leadership in driving the initiatives. 

Development of smart cities will demand major investments and here the role of the State Leadership will play the critical role.  He invited participation from Industry for developing cities in UP.  Sharing with the gathering how UP was the first mover in identifying 4 cities to be developed as Smart much before the Central Government announced its scheme and also shared how the UP government is envisaging urban development along the Eastern Freight Corridor.  He highlighted the speed of land acquisition and implementation of Lucknow-Agra highway which has become a case study in itself. 

“Safe, reliable, fast, energy efficient, comfortable mass transport system a cornerstone for any Smart City” said Mr Kumar Keshav, Managing Director, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation. He further emphasized on the role of green & clean transport infrastructure in Smart Cities and shared how LMRC was making a difference to the city landscape. A clean, green, reliable transport system which reduces the need for using the personal vehicles, thereby saving fuel, reducing pollution is a necessity for green smart city. Sharing a presentation on progress made by LMRC he shared how Energy Efficiency; Water Management; Sustainability & Environment Friendly Technology; Renewable Energy have become the guiding principles for LMRC today.  Such is the cost effectiveness of the green initiatives that Phase 1A is expected to recover cost in 5yrs due to savings on account of reduction in vehicular fuel consumption; lesser number of vehicles; fewer on road accidents; reduction in green house gases emission. 

“UP is the largest contributor to the 3billion sqft Green space development in the country”  Dr Prem C Jain, Chairman, IGBC and Chairman, AECOM Ltd also dwelt on the need to return back to our historical knowledge in developing eco friendly infrastructure and also how IGBC has helped in scientifically compiling our traditional knowledge and amalgamating it with the new age infrastructure development. He further shared how IGBC is the green rating certifying agency working very closely with LMRC for the certification of its stations.

“Smart cities no longer a luxury but a necessity today and governments need to engage citizens as clients” said Mr Sameer Gupta. 

Sharing his views Mr Sameer Gupta, Chairman, CII Uttar Pradesh State Council and Managing Director, Jackson Group, also mentioned the work being done by CII in partnering the shortlisted cities and how CII can help the cities in preparing for the next stage of smart cities competition.  He too underlined the importance of the need for all stakeholders to come together to plan and execute the concept of Smart Cities. Mr Gupta also envisaged how good quality smart cities can not only attract investment but also initiate reverse migration.

The Inaugural Session of the Conference saw participation of leading lights from the Industry such asMr Sachin Sharma, Director – Projects, Waves Infratech Ltd, who shared how a Township developed by them is Platinum rated township in India.  Mr Prakash Chandraker, Managing Director, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd in his presentation shared the fundamentals of Smart Cities and how his company is partnering other stakeholders to achieve the goals. Mr Rohit Chandra, Managing Director, Omnigrid Micropower Company Ltd, gave micro level innovative solutions being provided to rural population to enable them use electricity in their day to day life. The solutions have been designed keeping in mind the power demand and the paying capacity of rural population. Mr Dillon B, Deputy Senior Commercial Officer,U.S Embassy. The conference is being partnered by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation; Lucknow Municipal Corporation and IGBC. The Conference saw experts from various domains sharing their views on critical aspects for a Smart City such as Energy; Infrastructure and Utilities.