Indians await better and smarter cities
In response to Dr Behnam Tai’s ‘Turning Smart Cities Mission into reality’ published on August 23:
Very thought provoking article. I am very much for the implementation of Smart Cities Mission, but as the writer rightly points out, the urban local bodies must have the necessary “skills, knowledge and capacity”! Hopefully Government recognises this as a crucial requirement before trying to implement Smart Cities programme, and tries to build its capacity from now on. | Vishal Sahni
The writer raises some pertinent questions. Indeed, capacity building is at the heart of any development activity. If capacity is not raised in local bodies to fully take on the work of the Smart Cities project, the dedicated and hardworking PM may be faced with an uphill task of making this project a reality. Hope this element will be taken into consideration for the success of this project. All Indians are anxiously awaiting better and smarter cities. Thank you for a great article. | Anita Shah
capacity building key
In response to Dr Behnam Tai’s ‘Turning Smart Cities Mission into reality’ published on August 23:
Greatly written article on an upcoming and very relevant article for India.| Harib Uttom
I am planning to study town planning and I have read this article a couple of times. To my understanding, capacity of people who manage the city is important and should be built first for example Mayors, Commissioners, engineers, planners and other responsible people in the municipalities.| Rishu Bala
Capacity building I think is more than training. The article also indicates that. Capacity building of Mayors, Commissioners, engineers, planners, and administrators is very important.| lalit Pande
The article acknowledges the challenge of the past and puts forward suggestions for implementing the vision of PM Modi for urban India. What is not clear to me is whose capacity firstIJ Whose capacity nextIJ What are the methods of capacity buildingIJ Is it too difficult to achieveIJ | Deepika Negi
Agree with this article. Smart Cities is a golden opportunity for India! We should be excited at the opportunity for advancement. | RJ
A very strong and informative article. I strongly believe India should adopt such advice and become a nation that implements effective capacity building. We all want a prosperous Hindustan. | Shamsher Singh
I don’t understand what Smart Cities Mission means exactly. I think it means better serviced cities. If this is true it is welcome. All of us Indians want better looking cities, cleaner, better water supply, good roads, good traffic and power supply. To achieve this, do we need capacity buildingIJ Or do we need transparency, accountability, leadership, good design and commitment at the local levelIJ | Amardeep Singh
My understanding of the smart city is a city that is well serviced. You are right. I hope our cities become smart one day. The way I understand the article, the writer means capacity building in transparency, accountability, leadership, good city design and commitment to make our cities well serviced with water supply, solid waste management, etc. | lalit Pande
A good article about capacity building. To date very little attention has been paid to this important issue. JNNURM did not succeed because of inadequate capacity of urban local bodies. I hope we can start a discourse on this important issues. Hope someone/media can lead.| Rupa Arya
A sharp analysis
In response to Shakti Sinha’s ‘Rise of ISIS : Should India fear’ published on September 13:
Author informs that Al Qaeda is non-sectarian. It is not true as Al Qaeda is also hostile to Shiite.| OP Gupta
Article informs with sharp analysis and tops up with prescriptions laced with wisdom.| Amarendra Derhgawen
Beautifully explained
In response to Yogi Ashwini’s ‘Ganesh Chaturthi: The night of mantra siddhi’ published on September 13:
Beautifully explained by Yogiji the importance and significance of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is indeed a blessing to be getting this gyan from Yogiji on this auspicious day.| Poonam Kapoor