The Government will soon launch a flagship programme of building 100 smart cities across the country with GIS (Geographic Information Systems)-based town planning, using the latest technology. These cities will have integrated waste management and advanced transport system.
This is being done on the priority basis given that people are migrating to cities from rural areas in large numbers in search of employment and other opportunities. At least 31 per cent of total population of the country are residing in urban areas.
Integrated infrastructure will be rolled out in model towns to focus on cleanliness and sanitation, said President Pranab Mukherjee.
According to the 2011 census, 32 per cent of the country’s population live in urban areas as against 28 per cent in 2001 and 17 per cent in 1991. It is estimated that by 2050, 50 per cent of the country’s population would dwell in urban areas.
Hence, the Union Government has decided to concentrate on developing ‘satellite townships’ around major cities across the Country.
Also, the Government plans that by the time the nation completes 75 years of its Independence, every family will have a pucca house with water connection, toilet facilities, twenty-four by seven electricity supply and access, said the President.