
Indore, renowned for its remarkable cleanliness, has clinched the top position as India’s “Best Smart City” at the prestigious National Smart Cities Conclave 2023 held in the city. This achievement marks the fifth time that Indore has been recognized as the cleanest city in the nation. Gujarat’s Surat secured the second spot, while Agra in Uttar Pradesh claimed the third position among India’s smart cities.
Madhya Pradesh was conferred with the title of the “Best State” in the country, with Tamil Nadu following closely behind. Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh jointly secured the third position in the state category.
The fourth edition of the India Smart Cities Award Contest (ISAC) 2022 winners were felicitated by President Droupadi Murmu during the event. The ISAC, organized under the Smart Cities Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs since 2018, celebrates outstanding achievements in urban development.
President Murmu expressed her delight at the significant increase in the country’s investment in urban development over the past decade, emphasizing the Smart Cities Mission’s crucial role in implementing best practices and sustainable business models.
Furthermore, the President highlighted the G20’s focus on urban development, particularly through Urban 20, a sub-group of the G20. She stressed the importance of learning from well-managed cities worldwide and fostering collaboration at local and global levels for sustainable development.
President Murmu also underscored the significance of Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) in smart cities, especially in enhancing women’s safety.
Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri, emphasized that the Smart Cities Mission aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for a ‘New Urban India’ and plays a pivotal role in India’s goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. He highlighted the mission’s achievements, including the completion of numerous projects and the establishment of Integrated ICCCs.
The Smart Cities Mission has stimulated innovation, strengthened infrastructure, and enhanced services in India’s largest cities. It has fostered valuable partnerships with government bodies, global organizations, partner cities, academia, and industry players.
Minister Puri praised the 31 cities that received awards for their projects and initiatives at the conclave, emphasizing the substantial impact of their contributions. He also commended Surat, Agra, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh for their impressive rankings among cities and states participating in the Smart Cities Mission. The conclave saw active participation from all 100 smart cities, reflecting the nationwide commitment to urban development and innovation.