GS Question

The statement "Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart villages" highlights the interdependence and necessity of rural-urban integration in the context of sustainable development in India. The development of smart cities alone cannot ensure long-term sustainability and inclusive growth without the development of smart villages.

1. Economic Interdependence: Smart cities heavily rely on the resources, products, and labor force originating from rural areas. Rural areas are significant contributors to the national economy through industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and handicrafts. Neglecting the development of rural areas will lead to an imbalanced and unsustainable growth model.

2. Resource Availability: Smart cities require a consistent supply of resources like food, water, and energy, which are predominantly sourced from rural areas. A lack of focus on rural development and neglect of basic infrastructure in villages can lead to supply chain disruptions, scarcity of resources, and increased dependency on imports.

3. Urban Migration: The lack of development and employment opportunities in rural areas has pushed a significant number of the rural population to migrate to cities in search of better amenities and livelihoods. This unplanned influx of people has strained the urban infrastructure, leading to overcrowding, inadequate housing, and increased pressure on the urban resources. Smart villages can provide employment opportunities and basic infrastructure, reducing migration to cities and ensuring a balanced urban-rural population distribution.

4. Environmental Sustainability: Smart urban planning focuses on sustainable practices like waste management, renewable energy, and efficient transportation. However, rural areas, being close to nature, possess more potential for ecological conservation. With proper planning and technology interventions, rural areas can contribute to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy generation, which can positively impact smart city ecosystems.

5. Inclusivity and Social Development: Sustainable development requires inclusivity and social upliftment across all regions. Neglecting rural areas can lead to the development of stark inequalities between urban and rural populations, making the smart city initiatives unsustainable in the long run. Integrating rural areas in the planning and implementation of smart city policies can bridge these gaps and ensure inclusive growth and development for all sections of society.

In conclusion, the concept of smart cities in India cannot be successful and sustainable without the development of smart villages. The interdependence between rural and urban areas is crucial to ensure resource availability, economic growth, ecological sustainability, and social inclusivity. Therefore, a holistic approach that integrates both rural and urban areas is essential for achieving sustainable development goals in India.