Introduction
In the previous article, we delved into the concept of Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) in Indian smart cities. While these centers have been hailed as the harbingers of a brighter urban future, the reality is far from idyllic. Despite significant investments in ICCC infrastructure, the notion of liveability and walkability in Indian cities remains a distant dream for many. To understand this dichotomy, we must scrutinize the predominant role of ICCC in the context of urban development.
A Surveillance-Centric Paradigm
ICCCs have primarily evolved as tools for surveillance, focusing on monitoring urban areas and managing emergencies. These centers have become synonymous with CCTV cameras that cast a watchful eye on city streets, public spaces, and traffic. While surveillance undoubtedly plays a crucial role in urban safety and security, the conundrum lies in the fact that ICCC investment often prioritizes monitoring and data collection over active interventions to enhance urban liveability.
The Cost of Poor Liveability
Every year 2.5 million (25 lakh) Indians migrate overseas, which is the highest annual number of migrants in the world
India's cities, often teeming with vibrancy and diversity, also grapple with the harsh realities of hazardous air, inadequate sanitation, and overburdened infrastructure.
These urban challenges culminate in a low standard of living and a relatively low value placed on human life.
The consequences are stark - the middle and upper-middle-class segments are increasingly seeking solace in other countries with more favorable living conditions. While emigration is a natural occurrence in a country as vast as India, the significant outflow due to subpar living standards is a pressing concern. There are multitudes of reason people migrate, we will go into the specific at another time.
A Vision for 2047: Development and Urban Centers
As India strives to ascend to the echelons of developed nations by 2047, cities stand at the forefront of this transformation. They are not just geographical entities but the cultural, economic, and social epicenters of development. Therefore, ICCC investments in the tune of crores, while commendable, must be strategic and target the core issues plaguing Indian cities. They need to evolve from being passive surveillance hubs into proactive entities that actively contribute to urban liveability.
The Need for Precision and Comprehensive Data
ICCCs predominantly rely on CCTV cameras, a valuable tool for surveillance but not sufficient for catalyzing the transition to developed world standards. To achieve this transformation, we require more comprehensive and nuanced data that encompasses all facets of urban life. This includes cleanliness, road quality, pedestrian infrastructure, public health, and more. Only with holistic data can cities formulate actionable strategies to enhance liveability and walkability.
The Shift Towards City Intelligence Platforms
To bridge the gap between ICCC's existing capabilities and the aspiration for better urban living, there's a compelling argument for adopting city intelligence platforms. These platforms extend beyond the role of surveillance and actively engage with cities and citizens. They ingest data from various sources, including IoT sensors, social media, and public reports, and leverage advanced AI algorithms to identify trends, predict issues, and optimize public services. The aim is to empower urban environments where liveability is paramount.
Conclusion
As the story of India's urban evolution unfolds, ICCC investments must pivot from a surveillance-centric paradigm to a more holistic approach. By expanding their horizons and harnessing a broader spectrum of data, ICCC can play a pivotal role in realizing India's vision for 2047. In the next article of this series, we'll explore the challenges and potential solutions for ICCC's transformation into instruments of change that make Indian cities more liveable, walkable, and closer to the developed world standard.
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