A recent study by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, has highlighted significant strides in creating a safer urban environment for women across 93 smart cities in India. This achievement has been attributed to the strategic installation of over 59,802 CCTV cameras and emergency call boxes, bolstered by advanced real-time monitoring systems integrated into the cities’ operational hubs, the Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs).
The ICCCs, central to the Smart Cities Mission, are designed to handle routine operations and emergencies effectively. Their integration with police operations has facilitated evidence-based policing, contributing to a nationwide enhancement in urban safety. This integration has not only improved crime resolution capabilities but has also fostered a sense of security among women in urban areas.
The study, conducted under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ SAAR – Sameeksha series, provided a focused analysis of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Nagpur (Maharashtra), and Tumakuru (Karnataka). These cities were selected for a detailed primary impact assessment, showcasing the tangible benefits of smart surveillance systems.
In Chennai and Tumakuru, advanced monitoring systems were employed to link surveillance cameras with ICCCs. This integration has significantly aided law enforcement agencies in gathering crucial evidence, enabling them to resolve crimes more efficiently. Nagpur, on the other hand, reported a 14% reduction in overall crime rates following the implementation of these measures. Across these cities, the deployment of smart technologies has led to a noticeable decline in incidents of harassment, assault, and other crimes. Women in these regions have reported feeling more confident while navigating public spaces.
The study further emphasized that these advancements are part of the larger Smart Cities Mission, launched in June 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The mission aims to promote cities equipped with core infrastructure, ensuring a decent quality of life for citizens, a sustainable environment, and the application of innovative, ‘smart’ solutions.
The SAAR initiative, introduced in November 2023, has undertaken 50 national-level impact assessment studies on various themes concerning smart cities. These studies were carried out by 29 premier Indian institutions, including six IIMs, eight IITs, three SPAs, and 12 specialized research organizations. The Smart Cities Mission facilitated these assessments by providing critical data and arranging on-ground site visits. The insights from these studies are expected to serve as foundational references for future urban development policies.
Also Read | Centre approves 12 Industrial Smart Cities Project; 40 Lakh Jobs to be generated across 10 States
Overall, the findings underscore the effectiveness of integrating technology into urban governance and its transformative impact on public safety. The report highlights that such advancements not only deter criminal activities but also play a pivotal role in shaping cities that are inclusive, secure, and conducive to a high quality of life. The study serves as a testament to the potential of technology-driven governance in fostering safer, smarter urban environments for all.
