The 'Smart City Mission' (SCM) is a flagship urban development program launched by the Government of India in 2015. Its overarching objective is to promote cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and apply 'Smart' solutions to improve the quality of life for their citizens, drive economic growth, and enable local area development. The mission aims to catalyze a paradigm shift in urban governance and planning.

Key Features of the Smart City Mission:

1. Core Infrastructure: Ensuring adequate water supply, assured electricity supply, sanitation (including solid waste management), efficient urban mobility and public transport, affordable housing, robust IT connectivity and digitalization, good governance (especially e-governance and citizen participation), sustainable environment, safety and security of citizens (especially women, children, and the elderly), and health and education.
2. Area-Based Development: The mission adopts three main models for urban transformation:
   • Retrofitting: Improving existing areas (more than 500 acres) by planning and implementing smart solutions.
   • Redevelopment: Replacing an existing built-up area (more than 50 acres) with a new layout and enhanced infrastructure.
   • Greenfield Development: Developing a previously vacant area (more than 250 acres) with smart solutions.
3. Pan-City Solutions: Applying Smart Solutions to the existing city-wide infrastructure, often leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to improve services and governance.
4. Citizen Participation: Emphasizing citizen engagement in the planning and implementation of Smart City proposals.
5. Convergence: Encouraging convergence with other government schemes like AMRUT, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Main Characteristics of Cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh Selected under SCM:

Eastern Uttar Pradesh is a region rich in history, culture, and spirituality, but also faces significant developmental challenges. Cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj (Allahabad), and Gorakhpur have been selected under the Smart City Mission. Their characteristics and the focus of their Smart City plans often reflect a blend of their unique heritage and pressing urban issues:

1. Historical, Cultural, and Spiritual Significance: Many cities in Eastern UP, particularly Varanasi and Prayagraj, are ancient centers of pilgrimage and culture. This means their urban fabric is often dense, with old infrastructure, narrow lanes, and a strong emphasis on preserving heritage while modernizing.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: Heritage conservation, development of ghats, spiritual tourism infrastructure, and cultural promotion are key components.

2. High Population Density and Congestion: These cities typically have high population densities, leading to severe traffic congestion, pressure on public services, and challenges in urban mobility.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: Intelligent traffic management systems, smart parking, promotion of public transport, pedestrian-friendly zones, and non-motorized transport.

3. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Common challenges include inadequate water supply, inefficient sewerage and drainage systems, poor solid waste management, and unreliable electricity.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: 24x7 water supply, smart meters, integrated waste management systems (collection, segregation, processing), smart grids, and improved sanitation.

4. Environmental Concerns: Air and water pollution (especially river pollution in cities like Varanasi and Prayagraj due to their location on the Ganga/Yamuna), lack of green spaces, and poor urban planning contribute to environmental degradation.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: Riverfront development, wastewater treatment plants, air quality monitoring, development of green spaces, and promotion of renewable energy.

5. Economic Base and Livelihoods: The economy often revolves around pilgrimage, tourism, small-scale industries, and agriculture. There's a need for economic diversification and job creation.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: Development of incubation centers, promotion of local crafts and tourism-related businesses, and digital platforms for local markets.

6. Digital Divide and Governance Gaps: Varying levels of digital literacy and connectivity, coupled with traditional governance structures, present challenges for effective service delivery and citizen engagement.

   • Smart Solutions Focus: Establishment of City Command and Control Centers (ICCC), e-governance platforms, public Wi-Fi hotspots, citizen grievance redressal systems, and digital literacy programs.

In essence, the Smart City initiatives in Eastern UP aim to transform these cities into livable, sustainable, and economically vibrant urban centers by leveraging technology and citizen participation, while meticulously preserving their unique cultural identity and addressing their specific developmental needs.