Context:
Un-Habitat released “Smart Cities Mission, India: Localising Sustainable Development Goals” report which was prepared in collaboration with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- It examined the transformation of 100 cities across India as part of Smart Cities Mission (SCM) that aligns with SDGs.
Key highlights of the report:
- 3 pillars of mission—Liveability, Economic-ability, and Sustainability—are aligned with 15 out of 17 SDGs.
- 44% of total SCM projects contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) followed by SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) at 13.3 percent and SDG 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy) at 8.6 percent.
- Selected 6 SDGs for in-depth coverage i.e. 6, 7, 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 9 (Industries, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 11, 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
- SCM Projects in compliance with SDGs –
- SDG 6: Sensor-based monitoring of water network resulted in an additional supply of 50 million litres a day (MLD) by detecting leakages in Ahmedabad.
- SDG 7: Mudasarlova Reservoir Floating Solar Plant in Visakhapatnam led to an annual electricity generation of 3,613 MWh and prevented emission of over 3,000 tonnes of CO2.
About Smart Cities Mission:
- Launched – 2015.
- Type – Centrally-sponsored Scheme.
- Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
- Objective – To promote cities that provide core infrastructure, clean and sustainable environment, and give a decent quality of life to their citizens through ‘smart solutions.’
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-ll is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-ll is correct
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
About 89% of this groundwater is used in India for irrigation. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
