Smart Cities: A Local perspective

Abstract

As known, Temple cities were originally developed by Traditional societies. These cities are famous for its Heritage, tradition and Culture. Its mighty hierarchical system of Societal Stratification and power controlled the City’s expanse, Economy and few other areas segment wise. Because of the limitations in land area, the community strength was controlled. Unanimity of Physical Planning process was partial and was only limited to a set of favored groups, based on occupation. This was due to the structural construct of the traditional urbanism. Due to which, there was a socio-economic inequality in the society. As a result, the life expectations of the marginalized sector and the deprived remain inadequate and unknown. This has led to the social exclusion of this disadvantaged group of communities since ages. As a continuum, it has a possibility to change the Quality of Life [QOL], of these groups in these cities forever. In this context, having an exaggerated sense of self-importance on the subjective, “Cultural Heritage” in today’s scenario, can only cater a segment of society. It has the possibility of leaving the Urban Planning process into a social bias. This seems to be factual for the city of Madurai. As the city grows, there has to be an exhaustive and detailed study on the aspects of cultural attributes, lineage, land distribution, population etc. So, today, in the midst of many serious efforts by the government to resolve such fundamental issues of inequalities, there lies a gap still unresolved, leaving out to ambiguity. Hence, the Urban planning process and initiatives at these places, needs a closer look and should be carefully handled based on the growth patterns. The recent governmental initiatives, policies, Planning and implementation are focusing on “Smartness” of the city, to ensure sustainable growth. Participation levels of the common public, especially the so-called are subjective matters here in this case. Access and authenticity of governmental digital data, transparency and fair means of electronic governance is needed. The city needs a better approach and a fresh perspective for its Planning methods for a sustainable growth. This paper discusses the idea behind the social conditions of the people of such groups in traditional cities as an extension of the hegemony of the past, in today’s scenario. Also, it highlights the existing proposal and missing link of the same with reference to the social aspects of Madurai city.