Holistic approach required for smart cities

There is a need to integrate services under one platform for better functioning of a smart city and it can be implementation through a holistic approach, experts said here Thursday.

"Unless you have a strong urban system, you can't achieve the smart city idea. Apart from political support private partnership is required for reforms to be undertaken to achieve target," Odisha Housing and Urban Special Secretary Sisir Kumar Ratho said in an event 'NextGen Cities Conclave'.

While 42 percent of the city population lives in slums, close to 75 percent of residents cannot afford a house, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Krishna Kumar said, adding there is a need for reserving 25 percent of the land for economically weaker sections for affordable housing.

Forest and Environment Secretary R.K. Sharma said: "Wet land and drainage system are major issues that need to be addressed in Bhubaneswar."