A discussion in the conference touched upon the opportunities and challenges of building smart cities. There are definitely many opportunities but a lot of challenges as well. While discussing the challenges, the panelists also figured out that they can be dealt with by using disruptive technologies which actually play a major role in actually making the cities smart. As complicated technologies may be today, they are the answer. Problems such as proper sewage system, housing, planning and availability of other basic amenities have to be addressed under the Smart Cities Mission. But genuine use of technology is the prime solution that can revolutionize the infrastructural development and the basic requirements.

Smartphone’s technology has been very disruptive as there has been seen a continuous change in it. Ajay Girotra, Managing Director of AG Dauters Waste Management Processing Pvt. Ltd., said that from landline to feature phones and further till smartphones, technology has been constantly evolving. “As there is a constant change happening in terms of technology, we should understand the value of it. It has always evolved for the betterment. Stakeholders have to accept that disruptive time is not far, it is coming. So it is high time we adapt to it or lose the game," he said.

Varsha Ganguy, Project Director, E-Waste Management Program, delved into the concept that is still a bit new in India- e-waste. India produces 18-20 lakh e-waste every year, whereas, there are some countries who do not produce any more than 70,000. “In India, people still do not know what to do with all the e-waste that gets generated here; they have little to no idea on how to discard it. The solution to that is by managing it on a sustainable basis.” As e-waste gives a lot of challenges because it is not an easy task to discard metal and electronics, Varsha appealed the IT sector people to look into the matter more seriously.