1. Perspectives of Smart Cities: Introduction and Overview

The modern form of urbanization began around early nineteenth century in developed countries. Early cities of world New York, Boston and Philadelphia were the largest in 1790. At this stage only 3% of global population lived in cities. By 2000 the mega cities (cities with 10 million Population) rose to sixteen and the number is expected to reach around 27 by 2025. Massive urbanization creates opportunities on one hand and poses challenges on the other hand. The cities which are magnets for small and medium town population slowly steadily face resource and infrastructure crunch. The scarcity of resources coupled with environmental pollution chokes the urban environment and makes the cities unhealthy and unsustainable. According to Word Urbanisation Prospects, United Nations by 2050, nearly 70% of the world’s population would live in cities and there would be many cities with more than 10 million population. India too is experiencing the upsurge of population especially in urban areas. To accommodate and resolve the problems associated with rapid urbanization, the Government of India has planned to build hundred new Smart cities. Building Smart cities in India is challenging yet imperative solution for managing massive urbanization and optimizing resource availability and distribution processes.