#IndoreSmartCity - Celebration

More the festival more the fun, festivity and happiness!

Festivals are the life of any society and it adds much of the colour and fervour to otherwise mundane life. Indore is one of the city which clearly and proudly reflects the concept of unity and diversity. The city starts celebrating right from Makar Sankranti in the beginning of the year to Christmas in the end of the year. So in a way Indore is celebrating throughout the year with equal zest, enthusiasm and cheerfulness. The spirit with which these festivals are celebrated is commendable.

Every festival celebrated gives a message and Indoris embrace it open heartedly. This signifies that secularism dwells in every heart irrespective of caste, creed and community.

Makar Sankranti will see every third person flying kite instilling the spirit of healthy competition, Anant Chaudas see people coming together and celebrating; whereas Eid brings the sweetness of togetherness and Diwali along with Christmas marks the festival of light and serenity. Round the year, celebration mode is on emulating the very spirit of the city.

Being together in times of happiness doubles the effect and so if every person comes together and voice their opinion and views, the happiness will double when Indore becomes #IndoreSmartCity. So come and contribute in the building of dream Indore.

All the citizens of Indore are requested to share their suggestions at – bit.ly/IndoreSmartCity_Suggestions

#IndoreSmartCity - Cleanliness

Cleanliness is next to Godliness; keeping the same in mind, the honourable Prime Minister started with the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. Every state and its people need to join hands to make their state and city clean and the country will be ultimately cleaned. As hygiene needs to be maintained at every place, be it public or private institutions, parks, offices or sanitation.

Sanitation is a matter of great concern, personal and private toilets are kept spick and span but when it comes to public sanitation not even one percent of cleanliness is maintained. The blame game continues but aren’t being the responsible citizen, a helping hand should be offered from the citizen side, so as to maintain the basic hygiene in public sanitation. The system is managing but only with the cooperation of the citizens.

Indore and Indorians are very much involved in this initiative and have joined hands to make a difference. Long back Gautampura in Indore district have become open area defecation-free town. Moreover, many schools and their students have come forward to spread the awareness and importance of clean and hygienic public sanitation. Besides, residents of Indore can send their sanitation and garbage complaints online and this service has been activated since, September2014. 

So if you have any suggestions for improvisation then come forward and share your opinions and views and contribute in the building of #IndoreSmartCity. 

#IndoreSmartCity - Renewable Energy

Nature is a great source of energy and resources but anything used in excess can only lead to depletion and downfall. Right from the beginning, it has been mother earth and nature helping humanity to lead a comfortable life with all luxuries and opulence. Hence, as a result, the resources are decreasing with high rate and its restoration is a long term process. So all countries came to understanding and conclusion that an alternative is mandatory and ‘Renewable Energy’ is need of the hour.

Many Countries have majorly adopted use of renewable energy and India too is not far behind. In this connotation, it would be interesting to point out that in Indore itself many industries, hotels and houses have opted for solar energy. “According to experts, for domestic use a minimum of 1500 watt panel is required, which can extend up to even 3200 watt depending on requirement. In Indore, these three plants are located at houses in Gulmohar Colony, Shalimar Township and New Palasia.” Also, Radisson Blu, uses solar and wind energy and then this particular businessman, recently set up a 10-panel solar power plant at roof top of high rise residential building in Shalimar Township. The panel has a capacity of 2250-watt electricity generation and it generates 7-8 units per day. A gradual change has begun and with time, entire city will be revolutionised.

The best part of using renewable source of energy is that it is cheap and the source is available in abundance. Indore has always kept pace with changing trend and need of the hour. The transition has begun and soon every single building, factories, townships, etc. shall indulge in smart living. Thus, fulfilling one of the criteria to be in the league of #SmartCity

If you have any opinion or idea to share then do share and contribute in the making of #IndoreSmartCity at - http://bit.ly/IndoreSmartCity_Suggestions & fb.com/IndoreSmartCityOfficial

#IndoreSmartCity - Medical Facility

“Health is Wealth” an old saying and very much apt even today. A healthy society is progressive and active. Indore endorses for being a centre of health care and India's first medical institution, Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital, which was established in the city in early 1848.  It was the Asia's largest government hospital then, with 1200 beds, and it has remained the largest public hospital in the state. And this fact invariably reflects the amount of weightage is given to medical care and facility in the city of Indore right from the beginning.

Indore is home to 51 public health institutions and has a good number of private hospitals too. Government hospitals like M.Y Hospital and private hospitals are filled with dedicated staffs who work towards preventing contagious and infectious diseases. Hospitals are found across the length and breadth of the city catering to the needs of the people. Indore health consists of hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, rehabilitation centres and maternity homes of the city. The ambulance services, X-ray clinics, chemists and doctors of the city also form an integral part of the health sector in Indore. Hence, giving a strong assurance to its people that Indore is equipped to take care with its top notch medical aid and hospitals.

Happy society is a sign of healthy society and Indore has been able to implement it. Medical facility is available for everyone, free or at economical charges at government hospitals. Thus, fulfilling one of the paradigms for being in the league of #SmartCity.

If you have any opinion regarding the medical facility offered in the city of Indore, then come forward and voice your opinion, share views and contribute in the building of #IndoreSmartCity at mygov.in 

#IndoreSmartCity - Public Transport

The world has progressed by leaps and bound and communication via transport is constantly developing and emerging with every passing day. Transportation is the backbone of any continent and luckily, India is well connected by all means and modes of transportation. Similarly Madhya Pradesh is well connected and because of easy transport connection Indore is the commercial heart of Central India. Not only the commercial route but the city transport has been on the continuous mode of development.

Every Indori shall agree upon the fact that there has been a vast difference in commuting in past decade. The standards of public transport have been raised and private companies have stepped in too, to make life easier. Tempos, rickshaws and city vans have been taken over by Private Taxi, City Bus and iBus. However, after city bus and iBus gave a sigh of relief; the BRTS is 106 km long. The best part about the BRTS is- there is off board fare collecting system and contactless smart cards are issued too.

 This is an age of technology, and technology has become evident in sphere; one of the criteria to be in the league of #SmartCity is, public transport should be technologically driven and economical at the same time. BRTS perfectly fits the bill and commuting has become simpler and easier. Every Indori shall vouch for the convenience BRTS has given at reasonable charges.

So if you agree or feel more can be done or improvised, then share your opinions, views and reviews and help in the building of #IndoreSmartCity

#IndoreSmartCity - The Richness

Indore is a true example of unity in diversity. It has a distinct identity on the map of India, which makes it different from rest of the cities. As a city, Indore is rich in culture, history and food; Indore serves as a perfect example of uniqueness because of the amalgamation of different ingredients. And these elements make it a perfect contender for the tag of #IndoreSmartCity

Indore has a mixed cultural background with strong traces of the Malwa influence. The mixed culture is invariably reflected in its cuisine as well. And celebration of different festivals without any discrimination of caste and creed is a mark of celebration of mankind and humanity.

The rich background of Holkars is clearly seen in the heritage structures of the city and it also emulates the pomp with which the dynasty ruled once. Kanch Mandir, Kishnapura Chhatris and Lalbagh Palace are epitome of not only beauty but also rich architecture. The grandeur of the Holkar city, the splendid remain of glorious past is still very much intact and maintained. Hence, Indore perfectly fits the tag of being #SmartCity

The maintenance of city culture and history is one of the criteria for being in the league of #SmartCity. Indore has and is maintaining its richness be it in food, heritage or celebration of festivals. City has its own style of celebrating every festival with zest and fervour.

So if you think Indore is doing everything to maintain its cultural bounty then come forward and voice your opinion in the favour and help Indore to bag the title of #IndoreSmartCity

#IndoreSmartCity - The Education Hub

Madhya Pradesh is heart of India and Indore is heart of Madhya Pradesh.

Indore is by far the most sought after city not only commercially but also for education. It is the hub of education and the only city with two most prestigious institute of the country, IIT and IIM. Students from the far stretched parts of the state and near flock in for education. Indore is home for many reputed schools and colleges, which are mostly affiliated to the University of Devi Ahilya Vishwa Vidyalaya. This is one of the premier universities of India that was earlier known to be University of Indore. This university in Indore was founded in the year 1964.

There are many private and government schools in Indore, in addition to numerous B.Sc., Engineering, arts and Commerce colleges. Indore has always kept pace with changing trend of education and hence there are various vocational courses offered by reputed colleges in the city. The quality of education is excellent as the focus is on holistic development and enriching child with an open and forward approach towards career and life. The importance is not the quantity but the quality; and the education imparted is updated and the curriculum is in keeping with boards.

Education is an integral part of a society and work as a catalyst for growth and development as the saying goes “Padega India toh Badhega India”, so Indore is a hard core believer and has further strengthened its educational base. Thus, fulfilling one of the criteria of #SmartCity

So if you think the education in Indore is par excellence or have any suggestions, then come forward and give your valued opinion as it will contribute in shaping and help in the building of #IndoreSmartCity.

#IndoreSmartCity - Why

#IndoreSmartCity is now talk of the town. Every single Indori is keeping his/her fingers crossed. The kind of adulation #IndoreSmartCity has received online is commendable. Yet it may be possible some will doubt the practical implementation of such an ambitious project; if the same thing Watt Brothers would have thought then engine would have never come into functional state.

 Some questions keeps lingering at the back of mind like, will the change affect the life of people as it is promised! To this, there is one answer – ‘Yes, it will’. The positivity and will is needed to propel the progress work and the hype is for the awareness and to boost citizen engagement. This is a pan India agenda for betterment of the Indians. If this plan is implemented then it will be the nation, which will reap the benefit of better standard of living, and economic development would be the by product.

The main objective is to give an easy and convenient life to the people, which would be loaded with technology, infrastructure and stable and progressive system. This is the main reason why utmost importance is given to people’s vision and involvement. Because ultimately, it will be “YOU” and “WE” who will benefit from the end result. So come forward, make your opinion count, and help in building #IndoreSmartCity

#IndoreSmartCity - Suggestions

#IndoreSmartCity is nearing to its dream of #SmartCity tag but yet to reach. The government portal has asked citizens to comment and put forward their views for better and smarter city. Indorians are enthusiastically commenting and suggesting changes that will help to shape the city in a better way. Indorians are supporting so it is a humble request to make it full-fledged support. The competition is on and let the spirit roll in and take the city to finish with elan and vigour.

The suggestions given are very interesting and creative too. Some are practical while others are dream come true and some are purely fictitious. All this simply proves how much Indorians love their city and not only want Indore to be ahead in every sphere but also be ‘Ek Number’. Below are some of the interesting suggestions given, some of which can be implemented while others simply reflect love.

·         Indore should become a metropolitan

·         Indore should have Bullet train

·         Metro Rail should start as soon as possible but upto Ujjain, Dewas and Mhow

·         Robot dustbins should be placed at every crossing

·         Hygiene to be maintained at public toilet

·         Proper drainage system

·         Cleaner and greener Indore

·         Should become favourite location for Hollywood and Bollywood movies

·         Indori Poho delivery service should be started online for other cities

The list can go on and on and on! The power of #SmartCity is such that most of the suggestion can be worked upon and implemented completely or partially. But to make Indore a #SmartCity Support is needed. So please register yourself at www.mygov.in and voice your opinion, share your views and reviews and contribute in the making of #IndoreSmartCity at - https://mygov.in/group-issue/citizen-engagement-preparation-proposal-smart-city-indore

#IndoreSmartCity - Understanding

The ambitious project of #SmartCity is mainly an amalgamation of growth and development. The existing city framework needs either changes to fit the bill of smart city or a new complete city need to be built from a scratch. In this connotation, two words are often used ‘Retrofitting’ and ‘Redevelopment’ and not everyone is well versed with its meaning. The entire concept of smart city kind of revolves or rather has emerged because of these two mother concepts.

Retrofitting: The crux of this idea is to re-built the existing city area to achieve smart objectives. So that it becomes more efficient and liveable. With the aid of the citizen consultation, an area of 500 acres will be identified and depending on the existing level of infrastructure services in the identified area and the vision of the residents, the cities will prepare a strategic plan to become smart. Most of the structures would remain intact, so a large number of smart applications will be packed into the retrofitted smart city. This strategy may also be completed in a shorter period, leading to its replication in another part of the city.

Redevelopment:  A complete new creation of city power packed with modern infrastructure and informative communication technology. Redevelopment envisages an area of more than 50 acres, identified by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in consultation with citizens. For instance, a new layout plan of the identified area will be prepared with mixed landuse, higher FSI and high ground coverage. The best examples of redevelopment are the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project in Mumbai (also called the Bhendi Bazaar Project) and the redevelopment of East Kidwai Nagar in New Delhi being undertaken by the National Building Construction Corporation.

Other related term are Greenfield Development  which will introduce most of the Smart Solutions in a previously vacant area (more than 250 acres) using innovative planning, plan financing and plan implementation tools with provision for affordable housing, especially for the poor. The other term is Pan City; its development envisages application of selected Smart Solutions to the existing citywide infrastructure.

The common linking in all the terms are Infrastructure, Technology and Citizen Consultation. So it’s a request to people of Indore to come forward and share their views, reviews and contribute in the making of #IndoreSmartCity at fb.com/IndoreSmartCityOfficial

#IndoreSmartCity - Thank You

#IndoreSmartCity takes a bow in gratitude and thank each and every Indorian across the city for making #IndoreSmartCity branding, at top position across the country. It is the combine effort of the team and citizens, that the new milestone of success is reached. The humble beginning with complete hope, optimism and positivity rolled into an avalanche of success. Let not the momentum stop here and more force and power of ‘YOU’ will enhance the scope and strengthen the position of being in the federation of first 20 smart cities.

Dainik Bhaskar dated 19^th October, 2015 gave a complete summary of how the branding of #IndoreSmartCity secured the top notch ranking. It is a complete thrill feeling to say that more than one lakh people have joined the mission via different mediums of social media. The online community on Facebook Indore Smart City flaunts the membership of 15k+ and more, Twitter @IndoreSmartCity  have 300+ followers, 225+ citizen views on youtube and more than 20k have participated on online poll of Municipal Corporation. These are some of the statistics; a detailed analysis is attached in the image below.

The phenomenal response clearly indicates the power of social media and how a common man is well acquainted with these social mediums of communication. A big thank you once again and continue your support to maintain the number one position across the nation. Show your support, share your views, reviews, and contribute in the building of #IndoreSmartCity

#IndoreSmartCity - Awareness

#IndoreSmartCity project is gradually catching the momentum. People in the city are acknowledging the importance of this mission and coming forward to contribute their views, ideas and aspirations. Meanwhile the #IndoreSmartCity team is working round the clock to spread the word and involve the maximum population in the project. As the citizen engagement is an important factor in the entire project. It’s crucial to take aid of online and offline media to let the people know what measures are been taken to compete with other cities and spread the awareness at the same time.

#IndoreSmartCity had organised an online contest on Twitter, on 10^th, 11^th and 13^th October with the tweets reach of 17K+. The idea was to let people across the globe know about #IndoreSmartCity, in the first contest tweeples were asked to use the same hashtag and tweet their expectation and what they wanted to see in developed and smarter Indore. Second contest was a quiz and third was simple cricket updates of the match that was played at Indore Stadium. Response for all the three was overwhelming. There was also online essay competition for all citizens of the city, the topic was “Mere Sapno ka Sheher-Indore” the idea was to get the nerve of the expectations people have from the city. And it was a fabulous event as the idea which has been poured is well thought. As far as offline promotion is concerned, a painting competition for all school students in the city was organised on 16^th October 2015. Again, the enthusiasm was no less and the response was much more than expected. The respected governor is keeping the tab on each and every activity and is actively involved at every step of planning.

The effort being put is getting its due but it will only be appreciated if Indore makes it to league of #SmartCity. So it is time to pay back to the city that has given its people so much, so come forward share your views, ideas and contribute at https://mygov.in/group-issue/citizen-engagement-preparation-proposal-smart-city-indore/  in the making of #IndoreSmarCity. Also you must participate in poll to vote for the area where you want smart city development in the first phase at - https://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/isc

#IndoreSmartCity - Painting Competition

Every Indori in any part of the city is keenly interested in #IndoreSmartCity project. The team is thinking and strategising different ideas and plans to involve the citizens and get their ideas and views. The constant effort to let people know only “WE” can make the difference is showing its results.

The most important element of any country, state, city or society is its children. They are the future, so Team #IndoreSmartCity decided why not get their views and imagination for a better and smarter Indore. And the result was more than 6500 students from various schools in the city participated in the Painting Competition. The competition was organised at Nehru Stadium on 16^th October 2015 and the stadium was buzzing with positive energy and vibes. Children were thronging the stadium and were overjoyed to participate.

Wings were given to their imagination and as expected, every child created beautiful and stunning piece of art, in respect to their version of better and smarter city. Children were excited and thrilled and in no time got into their artist mode and the creativity was overflowing. Honourable Mayor of Indore, Mrs. Malini Laxmansingh Gaur was present at the event to motivate the kids and encourage them at the same time.

The event was a great success and the live coverage of the event was done on Twitter; join the online community on Facebook and get the latest updates related to #IndoreSmartCity. The effort is rolling so put in your effort as well and give your ideas, views and aspirations at any of the online forum.

#IndoreSmartCity - Social Media

In the present world, everything is technology driven and fast moving. Social media is no stranger and aids in constant connection and communication. Social media has shrunk the world and erased the boundaries. Whether it’s business or a social cause, social media comes handy to promote and propagate ideas, brands or thoughts. Hence, taking the aid of social media tycoons like Twitter and Facebook #IndoreSmartCity started its baby steps to spread the word about the dream project. And the response has been overwhelming.

Going by the trend #IndoreSmartCity team launched its portal www.smartcityindore.org at Hotel Fortune Landmark in the presence of dignitaries from various fields. This was followed by creating an online community fb.com/IndoreSmartCityOfficial, the number of which is growing by leaps and bound (12K+ and still counting). Twitter handle @IndoreSmartCity can fetch you live updates of the events organised on daily basis. Your suggestions and aspirations are invited on Twitter with hashtag #IndoreSmartCity. The main purpose of such activities is to strengthen the online presence and spread the awareness regarding #IndoreSmartCity project. You can also check out Pinterest boards are regularly basis to see the photographs of activities, events and media coverage. Team #IndoreSmartCity is regularly taking citizen bites at various places like malls, food joints, streets and commercial complexes to collect citizen suggestions. All these videos are uploaded on Indore Smart City Youtube Channel bit.ly/ISC_Youtube where you can watch them, like and comment to share your suggestions.

The hopes are soaring and groundwork is strong with more support from citizen in form of citizen engagement, Indore can make it to the league of #Smartcity Mission 2016. Share your views and reviews and contribute in the making of #IndoreSmartCity.

#IndoreSmartCity - The Concept

#IndoreSmartCity is no longer an alien word in the city of Indore. In layman’s language every person understands it as an initiative from the central government to develop and refurbish cities in terms of development and progress. But that’s the peripheral definition, it has more aspects to it and one needs to get a proper understanding of it. The pillars of a smart city are Institutional, Physical and Social. Moreover, in a country like India the process of making a city smart should be people centric. The idea should be to make city’s work for the people.

Institutional Pillar - The implementation of the e-governance and complete transparency in the working system. Citizen would be the eye and ear of the city and priority is to be given to the citizen engagement.

Physical Pillar - This is mainly related to city framework and urban mobility. This would include area-based development and will transform existing areas (retrofit and redevelop), including slums, into better planned ones, thereby improving liveability of the whole city. And, later this will include structuring of smart parking, intelligent traffic management and integrated multi modal transport system.

Social Pillar - This is related to management i.e. management of waste, energy and water. Adopt renewable and efficient means for usage of above resources. Moreover, socio-economic status should also completely eradicate with no disparity between any strata.

Others - Technology is the very crux of the entire mission, its development and progress is the corner stone of the project #SmartCity.

Above is the simple retrospection of what #SmartCity consists of. Any ideas and suggestions are welcome and valued, so if you want to share your opinion then come forward and make it heard. This is a dream and support from quarters can help Indore to achieve it. So give views, reviews and contribute in the making of #IndoreSmartcity.

#IndoreSmartCity - The Process

The #SmartCity concept is the most talked about topic across the country. Every nominated city is excited and thrilled; and is putting all effort to be selected in the first phase and be in the league of first 20 Smart Cities. Indore is in the race too, and is leaving no stone unturn to be selected. A lot of effort is required from the government and the citizens as well. The citizen engagement is very important and a decisive factor in this process.

In order to get proper feedback and understanding, honourable Mayor of Indore, Mrs. Malini Laxmansingh Gaur participated in various consultation meetings to get the real grip of the existing problems in different sectors and segments of the society. Consultation meetings were held with senior citizens, legal fraternity, industrialists, automobile sector, management marshals, housing societies, media and co-operative banks. The main purpose of these meetings was to understand what are the pros and cons of that particular sector and how the loopholes can be removed and boost could be given. As all the sectors, directly or indirectly affect the city working and the people residing in Indore.

The effort being put have started the movement and is spearing ahead with momentum, thus the dream of #IndoreSmartCity is not far. In addition, if system and citizen will join hand and work in harmony then the impact will be profound. So come forward, share your views and reviews and contribute in the building of #IndoreSmartCity 

A #SmartCity

City can only move ahead if there is Development and progress not only in theory but in practical as well. With this high pace world it has become mandatory to keep the speed and be in the league. Understanding the need of the hour and realizing the importance of progress, our honourable Prime Minister came up with plan of 100 smart cities across the country.

A smart city uses digital technologies to enhance quality and performance of urban services, to reduce costs and resource consumption, and to engage more effectively and actively with its citizens. Sectors that have been developing smart city technology include government services, transport and traffic management, energy, health care, water and waste. Smart city applications are developed with the goal of improving the management of urban flows and allowing for real time responses to challenges. A smart city council has been set up which is part of the US-based Smart Cities Council, which is a consortium of smart city practitioners and experts, with a 100-plus member and advisor organizations operating in over 140 countries.

After government announced the guidelines, states were asked to nominate names of cities for the ‘City Challenge Competition’ and the chosen ones are getting Central fund of Rs 100 crore each year for 5 years. A matter of immense pride, that Indore is one of the cities chosen from Madhya Pradesh by the state government.

So now what all is required from the people is their support in terms of sharing views, suggesting ideas and contributing towards the making of #IndoreSmartCity. So each and every single person residing in Indore just register at www.mygov.in and submit their suggestions at - bit.ly/IndoreSmartCity_Suggestions