Challenges and Opportunities in funding localization of SDGs under India's Smart Cities Mission

Abstract

India's pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is challenged by rapid urbanisation, with the urban population projected to grow from 34.9% in 2020 to 43% by 2035. This expansion necessitates addressing the environmental and infrastructural impacts, particularly the anticipated rise in urban carbon emissions. Strategic alignment with global frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), New Urban Agenda (NUA), Paris Agreement, and Sendai Framework, is crucial for managing these challenges. The Smart Cities Mission (SCM) is central to India's strategy, aiming to leverage advanced technologies to promote sustainable development. It focuses on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), while addressing challenges such as privacy concerns, high infrastructure costs, and the digital divide. Through secondary data analysis and qualitative techniques, the study finds that the SCM's implementation of SDGs is both progressing and encountering challenges. The enquiry reveals key themes related to SDG integration and financial mechanisms, highlighting the need for improved alignment with SDGs and enhanced governance. The paper provides insights into the localization of SDGs within the SCM and the associated funding mechanisms. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the governance frameworks and financial allocations, which is essential for refining the SCM’s effectiveness in sustainable urban development.