AI in Sustainable Development of Cities

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology/Infrastructure

Context

• The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems can help solve some of the main data collection and coordination problems in the sustainable development and management of Indian cities.

About

• As India continues on its trajectory of economic development, it is expected to add about 270 million citizens to its cities over the next 20 years. 
• Such rapid urbanization will bring challenges, requiring to identify pathways of sustainable development to ensure that the country can realise the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.
  • The vision for a developed nation in the 100th year of independence – for every Indian.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging branch of computer science concerned with building smart machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. 
• Artificial intelligence allows machines to model, or even improve upon, the capabilities of the human mind. 
• From the development of self-driving cars to the proliferation of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, AI is increasingly becoming part of everyday life — and an area every industry are investing in.

Sustainable development

• It refers to the concept of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 
• It emphasizes the balance between three critical pillars: economic development, social inclusion, and environmental protection. 
• In 2015, the United Nations (UN) adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global framework consisting of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Role of AI in Sustainable Development

• Predictive Analysis for Growth: AI can forecast urban growth patterns, helping planners make data-driven decisions regarding zoning, infrastructure development, and resource allocation.
• Ecosystem Monitoring: AI can help monitor biodiversity, forest cover, and other environmental indicators, supporting conservation efforts and protecting natural ecosystems within cities.
• Pollution Control: AI-based systems can predict air quality and suggest measures for controlling pollution.
• Data-Driven Governance: AI can assist city governments in making informed decisions by analyzing large volumes of data related to urban growth, resource use, pollution, and public services. 
• Transportation: For public transport to appear as a viable alternative to car owners, it is vital that last-mile connectivity to bus and Metro rail services be seamlessly and predictably available.
• Electric Vehicles (EV) Integration: AI can help manage the integration of electric vehicles into transportation networks, optimizing charging stations, route planning, and energy consumption.

Government Initiatives

• Make AI in India: The Government announced the formation of three centres for AI in the areas of agriculture, health, and urban sustainability with an overall budget of Rs 990 crore in its Budget Announcement of 2023-24 with the mandate to ‘Make AI in India and Make AI work for India’.
• The Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015, aims to develop 100 cities into smart cities with advanced technology and infrastructure to improve the quality of urban life.
  • AI is a crucial component of this mission, helping cities address sustainability issues, optimize resources, and reduce environmental impacts.
• Promotion of Electrical Vehicles: India is promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and AI plays a key role in optimizing EV operations and infrastructure.

Conclusion

• AI has the potential to be a game-changer in India’s quest for sustainable development, offering innovative solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges. 
• As India faces rapid urbanization, resource depletion, climate change, and socio-economic inequalities, AI can play a pivotal role in creating smart, efficient, and inclusive systems.

Source: IE