As Indian cities redefine urban living, Belagavi stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, culture, and economic growth. At the forefront Veloxx Media interacted with Syeda Afreen Banu S., Managing Director, Belagavi Smart City Limited whose approach blends technology and social responsibility with a focus on sustainability. This interview explores her efforts to make Belagavi a benchmark for liveability and opportunity.
Below are the given edited excerpts:
Can you share the core vision and objectives of the Belagavi Smart City initiative?
Belagavi Smart City’s vision is to become an inclusive, culturally vibrant, and economically dynamic urban hub, prioritizing health, education, industry, and social equity while ensuring sustainability and quality of life for all citizens. The city’s strategic objectives include fostering inclusive urban development through accessible amenities for all, deploying smart infrastructure like integrated traffic management and e-governance, and driving economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship and job creation, especially for marginalized groups. Sustainability is central, with major investments in green spaces, lake rejuvenation, efficient waste management, and renewable energy, exemplified by a ₹135 crore grant for advanced solid waste management under the CITIIS 2.0 scheme. Enhanced mobility is also a key goal, with initiatives to improve public transport, pedestrian infrastructure, and reduce congestion and pollution. Collectively, these efforts aim to position Belagavi as a model for sustainable, technologically advanced, and inclusive urban development in India.
What are some of the major projects undertaken under the Smart City Mission in Belagavi & Could you highlight any notable success stories that have positively impacted the citizens?
Belagavi Smart City has implemented a series of impactful projects under the Smart City Mission, focusing on inclusivity, innovation, and urban transformation. Notable initiatives include the Mahatma Phule Park, uniquely designed for specially-abled children, and the Ravindra Kaushik e-Library, which offers digital resources and support for children with learning disabilities, collectively benefiting thousands of families. The Kanabargi Lake rejuvenation project has restored ecological balance and created a vibrant green space for the community. Mahila Bazar, an exclusive economic zone for women entrepreneurs with 56 dedicated units, has become a model for women’s empowerment and local economic growth. The Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has enhanced citywide safety, efficiency, and governance through real-time monitoring. Additionally, the development of 11 concept-based parks and significant healthcare infrastructure upgrades have improved recreational and health facilities for citizens. These efforts have earned Belagavi national recognition for inclusive urban design, women’s empowerment, smart governance, and the creation of green, livable spaces, positioning the city as a leader in urban innovation and citizen-centric development
How is technology being leveraged to enhance urban governance and service delivery in Belagavi & Are there any innovative solutions that have been implemented to address urban challenges?
Belagavi stands out as a pioneering smart city in India for its deep integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cognitive neuroscience across public services, especially in education and accessibility. The city’s government-supported special schools are “cognitive ready,” utilizing AI-powered technologies to tailor learning for children with special needs, including the deaf and mute. These systems adapt lessons based on individual learning patterns and use tools like animated sign language, gesture-responsive smartboards, and real-time analytics to ensure inclusive, personalized education. Public libraries in Belagavi have transformed into AI-driven learning hubs, featuring adaptive exam centers, language labs with AI voice recognition, and accessible smart books for diverse learners. Beyond education, Belagavi’s urban governance leverages technology through an Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for real-time city management, smart poles for public safety, and adaptive traffic systems to optimize mobility. These initiatives have earned Belagavi national recognition for inclusivity, innovation, and citizen-centric digital transformation, setting a benchmark for other cities aiming to blend technology with empathy and accessibility
What measures are being taken to ensure environmental sustainability in the city’s development & how is smart infrastructure improving the quality of life for residents?
Belagavi Smart City is advancing a future-ready, sustainable urban model by integrating the CITIIS 2.0 framework with a focus on environmental stewardship and smart infrastructure. Key sustainability measures include real-time water management using SCADA systems, rainwater harvesting, and 24×7 water supply upgrades. The city promotes green mobility through EV charging stations, pedestrian pathways, and synchronized smart traffic signals. Urban green cover is expanding via large-scale tree plantation and lake revitalization, supported by GIS mapping. Waste management has been overhauled with a ₹135 crore grant under CITIIS 2.0, enabling 100% door-to-door collection, GPS-tracked vehicles, and advanced processing plants, setting a national benchmark. Smart street lighting, rooftop solar, and IoT-based air quality monitoring further reduce the city’s carbon footprint. On the infrastructure front, Belagavi offers integrated public transport, digital civic services, AI-powered inclusive education, and intelligent public amenities. Real-time grievance redressal and disaster resilience are managed through the Integrated Command and Control Centre. These initiatives collectively position Belagavi as a leader in sustainable, citizen-centric urban development, demonstrating how mid-sized Indian cities can achieve equitable growth and ecological balance in the digital era.
How does Belagavi Smart City ensure active citizen participation in decision-making processes & What initiatives have been introduced to make the city more inclusive and accessible?
Belagavi Smart City exemplifies a citizen-first approach by embedding active public participation, inclusivity, and accessibility at the core of its urban transformation. The city leverages digital feedback platforms-such as mobile apps and web portals-for residents to suggest, vote on, and monitor city projects, ensuring transparency and responsiveness in governance. Participatory budgeting involves citizens in decision-making before project reports are finalized. Real-time grievance redressal systems, integrated with the city’s Command and Control Centre, enable prompt resolution of issues reported via apps or social media. Stakeholder consultations are routinely held for major smart city initiatives, gathering valuable community insights during planning. Youth engagement is fostered through school-based civic innovation challenges and hackathons, empowering the next generation to contribute ideas on sustainability and digital services. This multifaceted engagement strategy, rooted in the philosophy “Nothing for the people, without the people,” ensures that all citizens-regardless of age, ability, or background-have a voice in Belagavi’s development. The city’s blend of technology-enabled governance and inclusive design has earned it national recognition for citizen engagement and sets a benchmark for participatory urban development in India
Q.6. What are some of the key challenges faced in implementing smart city projects & What are your future plans for making Belagavi a model smart city in India?
Ans: Implementing smart city projects in Belagavi presents distinct challenges rooted in its legacy infrastructure, rapid urban expansion, and diverse socio-economic landscape. The city faces hurdles in retrofitting old infrastructure with smart technologies, managing urban sprawl and informal settlements, and ensuring equitable access to services for all residents. Resistance to change from some communities and a digital divide have necessitated focused awareness and literacy campaigns. Coordination across multiple government departments, funding constraints, and the need for private investment further complicate execution. Upskilling the workforce in smart technologies and sustainable practices remains a long-term priority. Climate resilience, especially in managing urban flooding and heat islands, is an ongoing concern, with recent rains exposing gaps in drainage and waste management systems. Despite these challenges, Belagavi’s commitment to strategic planning, citizen participation, and inclusive governance has enabled steady progress. The city is recognized nationally for its inclusive urban development and effective citizen engagement, serving as a model for other mid-sized cities striving to balance modernization with social equity and sustainability.
