Chhattisgarh’s Naya Raipur is all set to emerge as a smart and vibrant city to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life by enabling local development and integrating technology. To address the urban challenge, the Naya Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) has envisaged Naya Raipur as a Greenfield Smart City to be developed over an area of 8013 Ha. The model is been prepared to develop Naya Raipur in three phases by 2031 for a population of 5.60 lakh. In the phase one, 13 populated areas (80.13 sq. km. including a 500-metre wide green belt of 95.22 sq.km.) have been taken for development. In phase two and three, Naya Raipur peripheral region (130.28 sq. km.) and airport zone (11.92 sq. km.) respectively have been incorporated for growth and expansion.
In the development model, NRDA has not just overhauled the entire city, but improved resources by adding connectivity and intelligence within existing infrastructure. The state-of-the-art infrastructure involves roads, drainage, electricity, waste disposal, telecommunications and smart technologies to control city operations. Some pioneering projects include broadband connectivity, GIS Mapping and establishing Wi-Fi across the city. The plan also envisages building Naya Raipur as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub. Smart Governance System, Utility Management systems, City Surveillance System, City Connectivity and IT Infra, centralized control centre, and Intelligent Transport system are the major six parameters under ICT master plan. Single window clearance, land and estate management, online services for city businesses, participatory governance, etc are some of the smart governance modules. The smart surveillance system mainly includes deploying all types of sensors and CCTVs in designated areas, unified toll free grievance numbers, safe and emergency mobile app, disaster management control room, emergency operations centers, video crime monitoring etc. This shall aid in implementation of intelligence services, traffic management and law enforcement. In the Utility Management systems, SCADA for electrical distribution, water distribution, and sewerage system has been proposed. Additionally, for effective disposal of waste, solid waste management system and drainage management shall be implemented. There is a provision to install intelligent LED street lighting to minimize energy usage.
The World Bank run Global Environment Facility (GEF) is assisting the city in Sustainable Urban Transport Project (SUTP). In the Intelligent Transport System, focus is to improve mobility for the citizens, and promote use of public transit. As part of the sustainable environment, massive tree plantation will also be undertaken to enhance the green cover of the city. For this purpose 27.67% of the area is earmarked as green belt. Rain water harvesting is mandatory for all the buildings in Naya Raipur.
Alternative sources such as solar energy are also being promoted. These smart initiatives would generate a solid standard of urban living, drive economic growth and support the Smart City mission, thereby meeting the demands of the urban population.