It is often said that “the soul of India dwells in its villages”. If so, why not give priority to develop smart villages instead of smart cities ( >Editorial , Jan.30)? Every Indian village has the right to be ‘smartly organised’ in every field, be it agriculture, education or health infrastructure, which in turn can help make the unique culture of India flourish. Have our politicians forgotten that the village is the basic unit of our social, economic and political hierarchy and where 68.84 per cent of the total population dwells?
Vikash Rai,
Allahabad
In creating a smart city, ensuring an improved transport system will have an immediate and positive impact. It does not require additional expenditure and improvements can be made even in the existing system. What is needed is application of the mind. In most Indian cities, one finds private operators refusing to ply short distances, misbehaving with women and the elderly and even overcharging. A smart transport system can curb all this.
Sanjit Ghatak,
Kolkata
A city can be smart in every sense especially as far as technology and communication are concerned, but the ambitious project should include the disposal of organic waste within its ambit. More than 75 per cent of household waste comprises food material of various kinds which can be composted and result in excellent natural fertilizer. This mechanism will also reduce the need for sanitary workers and the pressure on waste disposal and landfill sites.
P. Esakki Muthu,
Chennai
