Experts and government delegates call for a collaborative approach to building future-ready sustainable and smart cities

As per the 2011 Census, 31 percent of the population lives in urban areas, and by 2030, 50 percent of India's population would reside in urban areas. This will create a massive need for intelligent urban transport networks, smart energy, safe and secured public spaces, upgraded water supply, waste disposal facilities, and environmentally compatible buildings. The 4th Smart Cities India 2018 expo, which was held in PragatiMaidan, New Delhi, from 23^rd to 25^th May, featured some of the most prominent leaders and experts discussing ways to harness technology to make the next generation of urban spaces resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. Organised by the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), the NASSCOM Centre of Excellence – IoT and Exhibitions India Group, the 4th Smart Cities India 2018 expo co-locates five major verticals that make up our smart city framework – buildings, solar, smart cities, transport and water. The state-of-the-art exhibition floor enabled participants to explore the latest smart city projects and technologies, products, services, design, and solutions that fit urban lifestyles and needs perfectly. Commenting on the vision behind the event, Mr.PremBehl, Chairman, Exhibitions India Group, said, “The 4th Smart Cities India 2018 expo aims to empower cities and collectivise urban innovation. The expo shared insights and priorities that support investment, innovation and growth in order to establish India as a global hub for smart city skills and knowledge and technology. We are extremely proud of organising an event of such importance for the future, and look forward to facilitating the kind of synergy and collaboration we need to begin planning for a sustainable future for our citizens in earnest.” Shri DurgaShanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs reiterated that with more people migrating to cities in coming decades, urbanisation presents many challenges. He said, “Given the huge opportunities present within the challenges, the PM launched three schemes, namely Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India and ‘Housing for All’ to address them.” Under the Housing for All scheme, 46 lakh houses have already been sanctioned; 7 lakh houses have been completed; and 2-3 lakh houses are being sanctioned every month. He further added that every household in India will get a proper toilet and the entire country will be open-defecation free (ODF) by October 2018. Bringing five expos - Buildings India expo, Solar India expo, Transport India expo, Smart Cities India expo and Water India expo - under one roof, the vision of the 4th Smart Cities India 2018 expo is to help develop attractive and safe cities that evoke pride, passion and a sense of belonging among citizens.