The concept of smart cities cannot be realised without the safety and security of the people. In order to achieve the same, technology lies in the core. The smart city transformation is fuelled by technology advancements and the deployment of intelligence and information management systems to keep the security of its citizen under check.

Smart cities in India are steadily adapting to this change, with authorities working in tandem with each other. Each smart city today has developed its own safety and security program.

For instance, integrated control and command centre has been adopted by Bhopal and a lot of other cities in the country. Taking the technology to another level, it has been proposed to have a common Cloud-Based Data Centre with a Common Command & Control Centre (CCC) Platform be to be used by all Smart Cities falling in one state. Each Smart City would have its own physical CCC but leverage a common Cloud-based Infrastructure of the state.

“We have been very careful in terms of overviewing the data when it comes to integrated command and control systems. We have strictly followed the framework provided by the government and framed by the NSC Secretariat,” said Chandramauli Shukla, CEO, Bhopal Smart City Limited, speaking on the sidelines of the 5th edition of BW Businessworld Smart Cities Conclave 2017.

He also mentioned that the mindset of authorities not working in tandem with each other is wrong and the smart cities have successfully implemented the policies.

Arun Mahesh Babu, Dy Commissioner & CEO, Smart Cities, Rajkot elaborated on the need of technology complemented with other initiatives to make the citizens secure.

“The integrated command and control system along with the Rajkot Highway project undertaken by us, do not just take care of the women safety issue, but the overall security of the city. We have introduced the concept of Geo-Fencing in around 19-20 areas in the city. In case there is a violation in these areas, the software raises the alarm in the control room,” said Babu, who also mentioned that the whole idea of security is not related to only IT solutions, but a lot of other smaller components that authorities must address.

Smart cities are hotbeds for economic growth, innovation and tourism where safety and security of the tourists become a concern looming under the shadows of wrongdoers and petty criminals. Therefore, it is important for a city to be equipped with monitoring mechanisms and safety systems like IP based video surveillance.

Arun Prakash, Commissioner Agra Municipal Corporation elaborated on the issue. “Since Agra is a tourist hub, we have to make sure that the tourist feels safe and secure while moving in the city. Our smart city program is built on three pillars- Safety, Security and Surveillance. We have identified 250 locations connecting malls, common bazaars and others and have set up surveillance there,” said Prakash.

The Uttar Pradesh Government has been applauded for adopting the UP 100 initiative for strengthening the state’s safety and security. They are now developing new apps and systems for better results.

“Apart from all the new initiatives and facilities under this program, we are launching a shout feature in our application where the common man is also involved in the safety of its fellows. In case of emergency, once the shout button is pressed, the nearby citizen via the app will be alarmed to rescue the person till the time police arrive, “said Raghvendra Kumar Dwivedi, State Radio Officer, UP 100.