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International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Science Society and Culture(IJIRSSC) Vol: 1, Issue:2, (December Issue), 2015 ISSN: (P) 2395-4345, (O) 2455-2909 © IJIRSSC

www.ijirssc.in 72

Ajmer as a Smart City; an Assessment of

Challenges and Responsibilities

Dr.Ajay Kumar Sharma1, Mrs. Rohini Yadawar

2

1Lecture in Geography, SPC Govt. College,Ajmer

2Lecturer ,Department ofGeography

Shri Ratanlal Kanwarlal Patni Girls‘ College, Kisangarh

ABSTRACT : Urban growth is responsible for 80% of total energy consumption worldwide and more

than half of world‟s population lives in cities. On a challenging note,cities need to cater to the growing

demands of tremendously increasing urban population. Sustainable urban development and its constant

evaluation by means of indicators is indispensable, which has created an urge to evolve the cities to be

smarter. President of United States Barack Obama during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

on October 2, 2014 announced to aid India in development of three cities, including Ajmer. The concept

of Smart city means different to different people. The perception of Smart city for me is smarter

solutions to problems which are indispensable to our progressive tomorrow. The concept of Smart city

revolves around six major components; Smart Governance, Smart Economy, Smart Mobility, Smart

living, Smart People and Smart Environment. Working on these components, evolution of Ajmer City as

a Smart city is a big challenge.This paper focuses on two important questions in reference to Smart city

concept.“Will the concept of Smart city turn into reality specially in context to Ajmer or will it just

turnout out to be a buzzword?” and if plans are laid out “What are the major challenges and the

possible solutions to evolve Ajmer city into a Smart city keeping its heritage status intact?”

The paper is based on the field work and empirical data collected from numerous sources. It

elaborates and assesses the major challenges and proposed solutions that require active participation

of stakeholders which include government, civil society organizations and citizens. The collaborative

working of all the stakeholders is the essential component to turn this ambitious plan into reality in

view of the not so successful previous efforts.

Keywords: Literature, Railway, Technology, Travelogues.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

I. Introduction:

According to United Nations Population Fund (2014), ―the world is undergoing the

largest wave of urban growth in history. More than half of the world‘s population now lives in

towns and cities, and by 2030 this number will swell to about 5 billion‖. Not only this study

shows that by 2020 about 17% of youth in the entire world will live in India. According to

National Institute of Urban Affairs, India‘s urban demographic transition, the total urban

population of India in 2011 was 377.2 million as compared to 286.1 in 2001. It is also

mentioned in the report that ―Increase of 91 million persons or an annual urban population

growth rate of 2.76% is far in excess of all projections made so far‖.According to the Ministry

of Urban Development, Government of India,―The number of metropolitan cities having


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million plus population has increased from 35 to 53 as per 2011 census. The number of towns

and cities have increased from 5161 in 2001 to 7935 in 2011‖.

Source :- Zinnov Slide share, http://www.slideshare.net/zinnov

With this statement we get a clear picture about the present condition of urbanization

growth, which is not only alarming but also warrants world‘s attention to take smarter

initiatives to cater the needs of growing urbanized areas without which serious failure may

result in crumbling of entire economic system of the region or an area.

On one hand Urbanization serves itself as fertile grounds for development and economic

growth but on the other hand urbanized areas are also fighting a tough battle on multiple

aspects like slums, sanitation, pollution, severe congestion, heavy traffic flow etc.As cities are

the biggest contributor to a country‘s economy it‘s high time to tackle the issues smartly that

may lead to sustainable development.

Origin and Need for the Concept of Smart City

The concept of smart cities originated when the entire world was struggling hard on

grounds of the worst economic crises. In 2008, IBM started developing a new concept of

smarter cities' as part of its Smarter Planet initiative. By 2009, it coined the concept of Smart

city that attracted many countries all across the globe.

With growing urbanization, problems related to urban development are also accelerated.



Source:- Zinnov Smart city Slide Share, http://www.slideshare.net/zinnov

So to tackle this problem of Urbanization smarter solutions need to be brought which may

focus in Sustainable Accelerated development.

The Concept

Smart city concept may mean different to different people and institutions. The concept

of smart city for some may be the hi-tech connectivity within different networks and

tremendous growth in the sector of Information Technology and for some it may be just limit

itself to quality living which may include basic amenities . Some eminent people have defined

Smart city concept in their own words. Giffinger (2007), describes ―A Smart City is a city well

performing built on the ‗smart‘ combination of endowments and activities of self-decisive,

independent and aware citizens‖. California Institute(2001) thinks in terms of community and

states that, ―A smart community is a community that has made a conscious effort to use

information technology to transform life and work within its region in significant and

fundamental rather than incremental ways‖. Hall (2000) has given a holistic definition and

describes smart city as, ―A city that monitors and integrates conditions of all of its critical

infrastructures, including roads, bridges, tunnels, rails, subways, airports, seaports,

communications, water, power, even major buildings, can better optimize its resources, plan its

preventive maintenance activities, and monitor security aspects while maximizing services to

its citizens‖. Above definitions and literature on smart city broadens our understanding about

Smart City that is giving the city chance to grow in its core infrastructure and different types of

basic services which are required not only for smooth functioning of the city but also redirects



the city to new horizons of sustainable development which will ultimately serve to a boost to

economy.It is very important that the needs and aspirations of its stakeholders and citizens be

incorporated in any Smart City concept development.

Government of India’s Key Features of Smart city

According to Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India Mission Statement

and Guidelines, a Smart City should have following key features

Promoting mixed land use in area-based developments — This is planning for

‗unplanned areas‘ containing a range of different activities and so that land use

becomes more efficient. This ensures that there is some flexibility from Government

so that housing problem could be resolved

Housing Facilities— making plans for better housing facilities which will create a

smarter scenario.

Creating walkable localities — Efforts to reduce congestion, air pollution and

resource depletion, boosting local economy, promoting interactions and ensure security.

Better road network for vehicles and public transport including pedestrians and

cyclists.

Preserving and developing open spaces — Creating and maintaining parks,

playgrounds, and recreational spaces to improve the quality of life of citizens

promoting eco balance.

Promoting a variety of transport options — Transit Oriented Development (TOD),

public transport and better communication facilities.

Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective — Developing more

accountability and transparency by using Internet with the use of mobiles to reduce cost

of services and providing services without having to go to municipal offices.

Giving an identity to the city — Restoring and effective management of main

economic activities, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture,

sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc

Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in order to make them better.

For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, resource management, and

cheaper services.The Government of India with its Smart city project aims towards a

quality living of its citizens and developing a framework of cities which is managed

largely by local governments. It also deals with Smarter Solutions to the core

problemsof the cities.



Source: Smart solution an illustrative list by Ministry of Urban Development Government of India figure 2.5

Ajmer City in the News and Chronology of Events

US announced to aid India in developing its three cities, including Ajmer, as smart cities.

The announcement was made by President of United States Barack Obama during the visit of

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi(The Hindu, 2015). Ajmer is the Rajasthan's 5th largest

city with the population of about 5,51,360 according to the 2011 census. It is important to note

that Ajmer is an important tourist destination and one of the most important pilgrimage centre

for different religions. The city receives 15,000 pilgrims every day on an average and about six

lakh devotees including celebrities attend the yearly Urs here. Last year, 4.85 lakh tourists

including foreign travelers visited the annual cattle fair at Pushkar apart from an average of

over 45,000 devotees coming to the town to perform religious rites every month.

Previous Efforts Towards Upgradation of the City

Efforts in 1998

Before the announcement of this US aid to upgrade the city as a Smart city , a first

world-class city project of about Rs 100 crore first came around 1998 which was sanctioned

by World Bank. But the project failed as the local administration was ill-prepared and the

budget for the this project ultimaterly lapsed.

Efforts in 2010

Then in 2010, former Union minister Sachin Pilot tried to make Ajmer a world-class city

by bringing in a green field airport, a Central University and IT connectivity indifferent parts

of the district.



January 2015

Early in 2015 ―The National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana

(HRIDAY)‖ that seeks to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country was

launched by the Minister of Urban Development Shri M.Venkaiah Naidu on 21st January 2015

( PIB, 2015). Under this HRIDAY project, about 40 crore rupees wasexclusively sanctioned

for Ajmer Heritage city.

Background and Socioeconomic Context

Geographical Location of Ajmer City

Ajmer is situated amidst Aravalli mountain Ranges.The latitudinal and longitudinal

location of Ajmer is 26°27‘ N and 74°38‘ E.The average elevation of the city is 486m.

Source: Urban Improvement Trust Ajmer, Raj Niwas Yojna, page 21

The city was founded by Raja Ajaypal Chouhan in 7th

Century A.D. as it serves to be an

important pilgrimage centre.

Demographic Structure of Ajmer City

According to the census (2011), the average decadal growth rate of Ajmer between 1991-

2000 was 20.5 % and by 2001-2011 the growth rate was 13.4%. It‘s important to remark that



exceptional growth rate during 1991-2001 was because of extended municipal boundaries of

Ajmer Municipal Corporation.The projected population of Ajmer by 2020 is 6,20,155.

Source:Source: Urban Improvement Trust, Raj Niwas Yojna , Slum Free Action Plan, Page no. 24

Important issues

Except from the resident population, the city has a high migrating population (about.

approximately 4000 tourists per day).

There is tremendous rise in tourist traffic goes up to 30,000 during Urs Fair.

Different educational institutes and workplaces also generate transit population into the

city.

Density of Population

Ajmer is a low density city with a highly dense inner core, with population density of

over 5,000 persons/sq.km. The Anasagar zone consisting of Anasagar area, Vaishali Nagar and

Chaurasiyawas have the lowest density of less than 2,000 persons/sq.km. While the gross

average density of the city is 5,750 persons/sq.km.



Fig. Ward wise Population in Ajmer City 2011

Source :- City Development Plan for Ajmer and Pushkar, Figure 4 Page 27

It is noticed that the most densely populated wards are in the Inner City. In areas of high

concentration like Ward No. 15 , 16, 17, 19 ,20, 22, 29 30, 32 it is noticed that the population

density is as high as 100,000 persons/sq.km, which is one of the causes for environmental

degradation and poor quality of life, in theseareas.( Source City Development Plan for Ajmer

and Pushkar)

Source :- City Development Plan for Ajmer and Pushkar, Page 28

Literacy Rate of Ajmer City

In terms of Literacy, Ajmer holds a better position in comparison to State literacy. The

Averge literacy rate of Ajmer is 73.4 against the state literacy rate of 63.6. Male Literacy Rate

is 93.26% and Female Literacy rate is 81.53%.



Source: Urban Improvement Trust, Raj Niwas Yojna , Slum Free Action Plan, Page no. 24

Work Force Participation

The work force participation rate of Ajmer is 28.4 from which 46% is contributed by

males and 9.1% by females as according to Population Census 2011.

Source: Urban Improvement Trust, Raj Niwas Yojna , Slum Free Action Plan, Page no. 24

Important Tourist Destinations

Following is a brief introduction about Ajmer City with its rich heritage encompassing its

geographical and demographic structure.

Dargah Sahrif

The Dargah is the tomb of a Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinud-din-Chisti, who came to Ajmer

from Persia in 1192. This is one of the most important pilgrimage centre of Ajmer City. The

construction of shrine was completed by Humayun. It has 11 arches made up of marble.

Adhai-Din-Ka Jhonpara

This is an example of finest Indo-Islamic architecture,this mosque was a Sanskrit college

in the 12th century.In 1193 AD Mohammad Ghori destroyed the college andhurriedly put

together, a mosquewithin two and a half days (Adhai Din) with the remains of several

neighbouring temples. The mosque was built on pillars and surprisingly no two pillars are

alike.



Akbar’s Fort

The city's Museum, was once the residence of Prince Salim, son of the Emperor Akbar,

and presently have a collection of the Mughal and Rajput armour and sculptures. This

residence of Salim is significant from a historical point of view, because Salim as Emperor

Jahangir read out the firmaan for trade to India to the British East India Company from here,

thus starting the chain of events that lead to India's colonisation by the British. Due to its

interior location and in lack of proper maintenance it fails to attract tourists.

Nasiyan (Jain Temple)

A very beautiful Red temple near Mahaveer Circle is a Jain temple built in the 19th

century. It contains a Svarna Nagari Hall which is a double storey hall containing a fascinating

series of large, gilt wooden figures from Jain mythology depicting the Jain concept of the

ancient world. The hall is richly painted and decorated; the roof is covered with excellent glass

mosaic. It has illustrative representations of the birth and life of Rishabhadev.

Anasagar Lake and Bharadari Pavilion

This lake was built by Anaji during 1135-1150 AD. Later the Mughal emperors made

additional constructions to beautify the lake. The 'Baradari', a marble pavilion was built by

Shah Jahan and the ' Daulat Bagh ' gardens were laid by Jahangir. This lake is located towards

the north of Ajmer city.

Foysagar Lake

Foysagar Lake is a beautiful artificial lake, around 5km south-west of Ana Sagar. It was

named after the engineer who created it under a famine relief project. Earlier it was used as

reservoir for water supply to Ajmer.

Taragarh Fort

Built in the 7th century by Ajaipal Chauhan, the fort gives birds eye view of the city. When

viewed from the valley down below at night the fortress on the crest of the hill looks like a

star adorned. Taragarh fort or the ' Star fort ' is situated on a hill is nearly 2-3 km

incircumference on top of the hill. The fort has some important gates which make access to the

fort very difficult. The first entrance to the fort is known as Lakshmi Pol or gate of wealth; the

second one is named by locals as Phuta Darwaza or broken gate; the third is the Gaudi Ki

Phatak and the last one is called the Gate of Victory which was the principal entrance to

Taragarh fort.

Shah Jahan's Mosque

This mosque is the most beautiful of all the structures, in the Dargah precinct. It is made

of white marble, delicately carved with trellis-work.



Methodology

This section discusses various methods of research employed in writing this research paper.

Researcher Robert K. Yin defines the case study research method as an empirical inquiry that

investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries

between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of

evidence are used (Soy, 2006). Major motivation for writing comes from my association and

being citizen of the city.

Literature Review The University of Wisconsin Writing Center defines literature review as a ―critical

analysis of a segment of a published body of knowledge through summary, classification, and

comparison of prior research studies, reviews of literature, and theoretical articles‖ (Wisconsin,

2012). Benson (1992) states few functions that literature review does in the research. It puts

forth the array of paradigms related to topic and gives theoretical base for the discussion.

Literature review also helps in bringing the current status of knowledge on the topic and

different competing ideas, questions and debates on the topic of the research (Benson, 1992). I

think that literature review helps in connecting the past research with the future research. Thus

it acts as a bridge providing perpetual learning.The following literature was reviewed to

understand the perspective and contemporary debates on the subject. The literature included

research papers, relevant books, and commentaries of individuals, institutions and

organizations of different levels, peer review articles and project reports of JNNURM and

Urban Development Ministry.

Media report analysis and Study of project reports:

The important insights were gained through the analysis of business plan and annual

report of the organization. A survey of sample villages, livelihood perspectives plan and

different individual success stories were also analyzed.

Professional Work Experience:

My reflection on professional work experience has helped to conceptualize the various

aspects of challenges and opportunities the Ajmer city has in transforming into a Smart city.

Focus group discussions (FGD) with women and men in the research area helped in exploring

the issues in depth. Further, discussions with professionals of NGOs and government agencies

involved in development projects in the study area added to my understanding of the

contextual situation and challenges. These discussions and direct observations have been

helpful in understanding the following aspects of the city.

1. Power structures, present status of development projects in the city, political economy

and sociocultural aspects and aspirations of the citizens to participate and take charge of

development and be part of the city‘s progress.

2. Local political forces, external environment, and pull and push factors.



Limitations of the Methods:

paper is based on the professional and personal experience, literature review, online

research, FGDs during work, questionairre, and information from selective individuals. The

Research has tried to be objective in understanding the problem, data and interpretation of

literature. Genuine efforts have been made to keep away the personal biases from this study.

Substantive Discussion

With the contextual knowledge and above discussed framework of the Ajmer city the

challenges which are faced by the city are being discussed in this section.The world outside

was just amazed about the ambitious plan which was a launched to evolve Ajmer city as a

Smart city.One of the English Newspaper named Independent(Asia Subscription) dated 30th

June 2015 remarked on this and highlighted the grave scenario of Ajmer City. It states,

―running water is available for just two hours every two days. Only 130 of 125,000 homes in

the city in northern India are connected to the sewage system. Dirty water flows in open drains

in cramped neighbourhoods. Stepwells and lakes have become garbage dumps. Illegal

buildings and slums dot the city of 550,000 residents. And only two traffic lights work‖.

Indeed we don‘t like the statement given but we know the inside story. To understand the

problems of the city deeply I tried to collect the information from the citizens of Ajmer city

through an Questionnaire(50). The Questionnaire was completed randomly by the citizens of

different wards. However, the effort was to cover most of the wards ofAjmer city.The city is

fighting hard to provide the basic quality of living standards. Some of the major city problems

were also reported regularly in local newspapers were the same which was highlighted through

Questionnaires.



On the basis of the responses given its clearly highlighted that the major problems of the city

are:

1. Traffic Problem

The City is lacking an organized Public Transport System, which has led to the growth of

Intermediate Public Transport(private vehicles) like Auto rickshaws , minibuses, Cabs, tempos

etc.

These problems give rise to multiple problems like:

Inadequate space for pedestrians

No proper parking facilities

Ineffective traffic control

Source: JNNURM PAGE NO. 49

2. Solid Waste Management

The city badly requires effective Solid Waste Management which is not the part of

Swach Bharat Abhiyan but is one of the key elements for Smart city development

programme. According to the JNNURM ―The total waste generation for the ULB is

estimated for base year (2006) and future upto 2021on a waste generation rate of

approximately 250 gms/capita/day (based on CPEEHO norms).The waste generation rate

can be expected to grow higher than 250 gms/capita/day as the citypopulation increases and

there are enhanced levels of consumption‖.The city is spotted with dustbins and garbage all

around it.

Ajmer City: Station Road

15th September 2015

Ajmer city comprises of 455 km of roads

of which, only 57 percent are Surfaced Roads.

Apart from this, 11 percent of roads are WBM

and 32 percent constitutes earthen roads.

The station Road, which is very often very

busy and is highly congested. It is one of the

major sites, which is highly accident-prone.The

traffic include high degree of pedestrian traffic

also

to the Dargah complex.



3.Proper Drainage Facility

Along with proper Solid Waste Management proper drainage facility is urgently

required.During monsoons Ajmer city is oftenflooded without any proper outlets for water that

accumulates. The drains are often clogged with solid waste which blocks the easy flow of

sewage and waste water. Some of the drains which play important role in drainage pattern of

the city are:

Bandi River

Kazi ka Nalla

Arihant colony drain

Anted Chatri Yojna Drain

Vaishali Diversion Channel

Anasagar Escape channel

Bhrampuri Drain

Inderkot Madargate Drain

The pictures ahead highlights the present conditions of these drains. Indiscriminate

discharge of solid waste from the nearby areas into these drains regularly results in unhygienic

environment which is hazardous to our health.

Ajmer City: Ramganj

Ajmer City: Kutchery

road

Ajmer City: Opposite of

JLN Medical College

Ajmer City: JLN

Medical College



This hampers the traffic flow, causes inconvenience to pedestrians and increases the risk of

accidents.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika, July 2015

The pictures clearly portray that it requires an effective Sewage and Drainage

Management without which city‘s proper development is a challenge.

3.Proper and Regular Supply of Drinking Water

Ajmer is dependent on surface water for its demands. Piped water supply in Ajmer

started in 1884 from Anasagar reservoir to the then population of50,000. In 1892, Foysagar

Lake was constructed to cater the increased population of thetown. Historically, the city is

understood to have an efficient system of rain water collection through interlinked lakes.But



over the time this interlinked system was captured by illegal encroachment of land and

unplanned residential growth, which did not allow the rainwater to properly accumulate in the

previously designed reservoir. At present, Ajmer town is dependent on Bisalpur Dam, which is

situated about 115 Km away from the city.In most of the parts of the city the water is supplied

every alternate day for about an hour or an hour and half. This creates an insufficiency for

drinking water specially during summers. The situations turn worst because of lack of

maintenance and frequent leakages.

Source: JNNURM photo plate2.4.2page no.56 Source: JNNURM photo plate 2.4.3 page no. 57

Emerging Issues related to water supply in Ajmer City

Older supply pipeline which requires frequest repairs and results in frequent leakages.

Insuffcient capacity of service resorviors

Water supply is mostly low (typically 0m to 3m).This forced the residents to use in-line

boosters which further aggravates the problem of water shortage.

3. Lack of Institutional Coordination

Multiple agencies with overlapping responsibilities are often involved in the execution of

works and operation and maintenance of assets. It is often observed that there is lack of co-

ordination, leading to confusion and unnecessary delays.

The service delivery is not according to the bench marks which results in enormous

wastage of resources.The accountability framework need to be more strengthened and

transparent.It is often observed that the city is frequently dug for different purposes like for

electricity cables, sometimes for water supply pipelines. Once a particular department

completes its task the other department starts its own task. This leads to inconvenience of

residents, pedestrians and in general to all.

Sometimes the pits dug in between the roads that are the major causes of accidents, which

leads to death of the victim.It also spoils the aesthetic sense of the city.



Photo: Ajmer Opposite of Anasagar Link Road Opposite of Bikaner Misthan Bhandhar, Vaishali

Tourist Destinations of Ajmer City and Major Challenges Associated

No proper direct and regular funding for management of the heritage sites

The Rent Control Act restricts the interference of any organizationfor independent

working and maintenance works.

Earlier Ajmer city master plan has no specifications of management of heritage sites of

the city, which lead to further deterioration of Ajmer

During the annual Urs fair the city faces challengeson two different grounds, on one

hand it has to cater the needs of heavy inflow of tourist both national and international

and secnd it has to maintain itsattraction so that it keeps attracting tourists.

Photo: Inaugral Event Of Kwaja Urs

begins in Ajmer Shrif. Source: INDIA

TV, 8th

May 2013

Photo: Taragarh fort from inside (left) and

from outside (right). Source: City

Development Plan by JNNURM


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Renowned English newspaper The Hindu once remarked about Adhai Din Ka Jhopra

that, ―in spite of its chequered history, the monument today looks forlorn with very

little maintenance. The environment surrounding the site needs to be improved as

garbage is strewn around and the sewage overflows‖.

Despite of rich historic past of Ajmer city it often fails to depict its cultural richness to

the tourist visiting. The main reason behind this is lack of information for tourists.

Parking facilities near the monuments are not proper

Facilities at Vishram Sthali are not only inadequate but today this area isinundated

with water because of illegal encroachment of Anasagar Lake that leads diversion of

water to Vishram Sthali.

Miscellaneous problems :

Problems of Slums in Ajmer City

Lack of proper employment opportunities in Ajmer city

Land Encroachment and illegal construction problem in the city

Problem of insufficient power supply and frequent power cuts

Proper Management of Hertiage sites of the city

Recently a local hindi newspaper Dainik Bhaskar has published a report revealing that even after

an year of declaration of the Ajmer Smart City Project nothing has changed in the city on

contrary lakhs of ruppes have just wasted on meetings. Now the conditions are so critical that

Ajmer is fighting hard to hold place in the first 20 cities in which are according to the bench

marks set for being the part of Smart city proposal.Will Ajmer qualify in the first 20 cities which

meet the above mentioned benchmarks?With the above challenges, the journey of Ajmer City to

a Smart City seems arduous.The administration and different organizations are often hinted

about lethargic implantation of the plans.

Responsibilities and possible solutions which can help this city to evolve as

Smart city

Before we move ahead with our suggestions this research paper wi ll also highlight

the Development opportunities which Ajmer City has.

The Major Strengths of Ajmer City

Ajmer is very important tourist destination as it serves itself as pilgrimage

centre.

Ajmer city has proved itself as an educational hub with many renounced

educational institutes Like Mayo College and Maharshi Dayanad University.

Ajmer is well connected through roadways and railways which makes it

convienent to travel to.


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Ajmer also has agglomeration of many important government institutions

Like Rajasthan Public Service Commission. Rajasthan Board of Secondary

Education.

Possible Solutions which can create a change in the city and help city to

evolve as Smart city.

Target Areas which can help to improve the present problems of the city.

According to the data collected various rating Scales were given to different areas

which are depicted with the help of table given.

Data Analysis

When 50 residents were asked to indicate and scale each of the target area

which may contribute in the development of Ajmer as a Smart city. About 23%

scaled Cleaner City to be most important initiative and 14% recom mended better

transport system to be the next important initiative for any city to be

smarter.Through questionnaire an effort was made to find out the major

Stakeholders for Smart city Project of Ajmer city.

Data Analysis

The data analysis of random surveyors depicts that 34% citizens take

Government as the important Stake holder, which is followed by different

organizations and then the citizens and then the city council.



Use of digital Technology

When asked about the frequency of the digital technology usage.

Data Analysis:

Out of 50 respondents 66% regularly make use of Digital Technology which

indicates that majority have assess to mobiles and other digital gadgets which can

later be used as part to upload ‗Big Data‘ if the Smarter solutions are to be brought

through use of different applications.

Can the present city become smart or a new township should be created in

vicinity?

This again a debatable issue . There have been suggestions that a new

township can be created on Jaipur Kishangarh road.

Data Analysis

About 61% of the surveyed residents were in the favour that prese nt city can

become smart whereas 39% were in favour that a new township should be built in

nearby areas of Ajmer city.



Recommendations The research paper suggests following recommendations that will help the

city to evolve into a Smart city

A Step by Step Plan

A systematic plan need to develop keeping in mind the Smart city Framework and

Local Urgent needs of the Ajmer City.

Planned Framework should be designed such that it can Self Assess and develops

more accountability for the stakeholders.

The Plan

Creating a New Customer Contact Services using Internet which has effective

mechanism of dealing with following issues: -

Inviting Local Citizens Aspirations for every department.

Creating a framework on the basis of aspirations of citizens.

Collecting , Securing and Publishing ―Big Data‖ by local citizens of Ajmer

City for different departments keeping in mind the security prospects of the

data providers.

Systematic Mechanism of dealing with the local problems and most

important within a time limit.

Creating a catalogue List for each department which will display online a

list of respective services delivered.

Action Plan and Results Assessment

Smart Designing and mappingbefore e -governance is introduced is

important to ensure that all the tasks ,operat ions and systems with new

services are optimally and appropriately designed.

An Example



Knowing ,Understanding and Analysing the Ajmer city and its citizens‘

requirements first instead of blindly cloning any foreign plan.

Geo Based Services

Provided Services will have more impact when they are designed and planned by

surveying and observing the local area intricately.Geographic Information

System (GIS) gives an excellent view of geospatial elements related to an area

or any context and is very helpful in decision making . Example -Accidents

prone Sites in Ajmer, Waste Water Management, Drainage Pattern Assessment

and Planning.

For example, if a city is managed with the technology to streamline traffic, we can know

where all of its citizens are at a given time, and where traffic is the heaviest. It can direct others

appropriately. This can be done by using GPS system that actually connects directly to an

urban network to update accident locations, congestion information and more.

Making City Sustainable

Technology when used in a smart city can help the city to be sustainable in many ways

for example, with public transportation. Florida is a great example of using modern

technology to improve sustainability. There is an environmental-friendly railway in the

state of Florida that improvesthe transportation for all areas it covers.

While building, it leveraged big data, or ‗smart‘ data, to reduce vibrations and noise,

monitor cultural effects and resource consumption, reduce fuel costs and consumption,

and discern the impact on air and water quality in nearby areas.

Itwill also be able to monitor the functioning of railways. A smart city could also do

things such as measure water levels, average consumption andweather patterns — like a

drought — to help us better manage our supply.

It could even track waste patterns to help us optimize recycling and cut back on the

amount of waste we use as a society.

Both of these scenarios would require the smart city to constantly monitor activities and

collect data. All of that data is what we refer to as ‗big data,‘ and it‘s what would allow

the city to be sustainable and react. As our cities become ‗smart,‘ our lives will improve

significantly, because a more sustainable, more aware city means better living

conditions and experiences for all.

Creating better housing facilities which has basic amenities of drinking

water, cheap electricity, fast , easy and cheaper transport and communication

facilities.

How it will work

Developing housing plans sector wise and creating a competition level between

different housing areas and colonies and timely renewal and upgradation



oaccording to the changing needs. This will reduce the further crowding of the

centre of the city which is already very thickly populated.

Upgrading the roads in the inner portions of the city.

Like Road from Nizam Gate to Delhi Gate, Road from Diggi Bazaar to Andar

Kot

How it will work

When the quality of roads will improve then we will be to bring better

mobility , better mobility will in turn will attract more commercial

investments , will in turn boost up the economy of Ajmer City.

Strong Co-ordination between government and non-government

organizations(Smart Governance)

This will help the projects proposed to be completed timely without much

chaos and will help to manage resource efficiently.

How it will work

The policy of ―different work at different time‖ should not be continued.

Proper Ducting facility for different purposes for example electricity, water

supply or gas coulddone at the same time and with futuristic approach.

Timely Renovation of Heritage sites

It‘s very important to note that the soul of Ajmer city lies in its heritage

centres. Special budget should be kept for proper renovation of all the

heritage sites is must and most importantly strict monitoring of the work and

set time limit in the completion of such projects is very important.

How it will work

Properly maintained heritage sites will definitely attract more tourist which

will give Ajmer its own identity in International Perspective apart from being

smart.

Effective and affordable bus transportation( Smart mobility)

In most of the developed countries of the world ,the traffic congestion is

fought through effective in -city bus facilities which discourages the

residents to take their own vehicles.

This in turn solve multiple problems of the city like Air pollution, Parking

problems

Making RHS (Rain Water Harvesting ) compulsory for every new

construction plan is important .Thisbeneficial in terms of increasing

underground water table and will also reduce waste water.

Creating a city with free and fast Wi-fi facility (E- Governance)

This is highly recommended. ―The Big Data‖ concept will create more

accountability for Stakeholders which will direct them towards shaping the

plans and bringing the plans to reality.Which type of data will be made



public and which not has to decided. How the security and privacy of the

data be maintained that too needs to be planned before working in this

direction.

Rehabilitation of old distribution of water supply is the need of the

hourIt is important now that old pipelines should be changed specially in the

areas where it has exceeded their operation life. This will reduce the

leakages and will check water wastage.

Short term plan need to be prepared

A short term plan of next 5-6 years need to prepared instead of long term

planning, which should highlight specifically the expenditure and income

statement. Because this is the only key for any city to develop on Sustainable

grounds.

Promoting Cleanliness drive in citizens through Zone Level Competitions

Cleanliness in the city is not the task of the government alone ,the

cleanliness drive should be part of the smart city residents.To promote this

Cleanest Zone , Most Beautiful Zone, Smartest Zone Level competitions

should be initiated which will give the residents a purpose to work for.

The government should again use more mechanised cleaning methods and

Solid Waste Management should be planned keeping in mind the sustainblty

of the city.

Use of IT in different sectors of Urban Development.



International Smarter City Solutions which aspires.

Concept of Smarter city Homes as used in Dubai

Use of GPS and Smart card for reduction in traffic congestion

According a report published by The Guardian an English Newspaper on 7th

December

2014 ―California-based Urban Engines have developed a system of data analysis to help spread

the flow of traffic in Singapore and Sao Paulo‖.Transport authorities give Urban Engines the

commuter fare card information and GPS details of train and bus systems. Fare card

information from when commuters tap in and out allows the company to gauge the commuting

pattern – how long people are waiting, the number of trains which passed which were too full

to get on – and concludes how a system is working at any one time.The pilot study for the

system was conducted in Bangalore where incentives such as lottery tickets were used to

switch an estimated 17% of commuters from their regular pattern.

Conclusion It is very important to understand that the four pillars of Smart city i.e Institutional Pillar,

Physical Pillar, Social Pillar and Economic Pillar as highlighted by our central ministry have

their roots as citizens. So the nodal centre will and should be always the citizens and their

welfare for any Smart City.Ajmer City cannot dream to be Smart city without working on the

basic amenities of pure drinking water, electricity supply,better housing facilities, better

mobility, better healthcare facilities, which will be based on sustainable

model.Recommendations given in the paper like creating big data plan, planning for short

term, coordination between different stakeholders, working on traffic problems, solid waste

management are important for Ajmer city to evolve into a Smart city.

According to Siliconangle.com a blog 8th

April 2015 “With their „Smart City‟ project

and Initiative 2021, Dubai aims to be one of

the world‟s best-connected, smartest, and

happiest cities by 2017.”

According to Tony Fadell, CEO of Nest, the

latest connected product company bought by

Google, in the future your door will be

locked by a blue tooth device allowing you

to know who comes in and out of your home

at all times. Your fridge will automatically

do an inventory of the items available to

remind you that you are running out of milk.

Source:- http://www.kippreport.com/fcs/the-

rise-of-smarthomes/

http://www.kippreport.com/fcs/google-street-view-adds-dubai-to-its-list/



As discussed earlier there were many efforts made in the past to bring improvements in

the city but the projects ultimately failed.The model of any smart city should sustain itself

financially in such a transparent and accountable way that the city not only grows with the

model but can portray an exemplary economic development for other cities also. Proper

working and functioning of different institutions and organizations of the city is the soul of

Smart city. For this centralized command system plays a crucial role, which should be

corruption free.

ICT is a very good medium which will help to enhance the performance of existing

system by minor up-gradation of the systems like connecting the system to computers.Smart

city is a fuzzy idea until Smart city action plans are created and they are turned into reality in

allotted time frame without wastage of resources. Smart city concept is changing the world on

a simple condition of sustainability. If the Smart city model is sustainable, it will be successful

in changing the landscape and lives of the people on large scale. Bringing affordability with

Smart city concept is a real challenge.It is high time we understand that any city which is

planned and sustainable is a Smart city.Ajmer city can evolve into a smart city but an

inspirational leadership is required which may help to deal with the challenges of Ajmer city

through innovative and cost effective way. How long will Ajmer take to be evolved into a

Smart city is the question that still remains unanswered.Samhita Sharma, head of strategy and

marketing, Honeywell India, expressed the feelings of many when she said that ultimately it is

execution and delivery that are the keys to the success of any project. "No matter how much

you strategize or plan, it's how you do it".

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