Thesedays the concept of a smart city is being rigged into our minds day in and dayout. The so-called smart city, Panaji, which otherwise is beautiful, wiltsunder one heavy shower. But yet our political leaders shamelessly keep harpingon the word 'smart'. Certainly, why not, the stakes are so high and there is somuch money to be made in commissions. The government took great pride after itinaugurated a smart street in Calangute. What right does it have to take creditwhen this initiative was possible through private CSR funds? The street will nodoubt attract tourists and be a boon to the famous touristic establishments inthe area. Now comes the maintenance aspect and I presume it will be taken careof by the private partner in tie-up with the government. Smart cities that weall hear about are a fad. We first require to get our basics in order andrequire smart-thinking people to know we are being hypnotised by smartillusions.
