First state to rope in citizens for Urban Planning

Hyderabad, Sept 27 (INN): Telangana becomes the first state in India to enable citizen participation in urban development and shaping the 'Smart Cities & Cities for All'.

As a part of the XI Metropolis World Congress 2014, to be held in Hyderabad from 6th to 10th October, the Government of Telangana, GHMC, the Metropolis World Congress and Indian School of Business organized Hyderabad Urban Hackathon.

The theme of the Hackathon was Social Innovation with Digital Technology and over 390 teams registered for the same. Of these, around 80 shortlisted teams will be presenting their solutions and ideas in the coming two days.

During these days, participants will get to have discussions in consultation with IT companies, Officials of Metropolis Congress and Government of Telangana.

The concepts at the Pre Hackathon will form the agenda for the final Hackathon event at the XI Metropolis World Congress, 2014 at HICC, Hyderabad where the selected entries will get audience with International delegates for further discussion and deliberation over proposed solutions.

At the final event, best five solutions will be awarded and given an Incubation opportunity by Government of Telangana in association with ISB.

Commenting on the initiative, Information Technology Minister K Tarakarama Rao said, 'I feel proud seeing the participation and enthusiasm by the citizens towards brand Hyderabad and making Smart Cities a reality. The first in India initiative reflects the sincere intent of all parties involved to make Hyderabad into a global city'.

GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar and Director of XI Metropolis World Congress said, 'We are anticipating some effective, innovative and scientific solutions bringing the citizens perspective to the government body for the first time. We hope that some of the solutions discussed in the Final Hackathon which will be incubated by the Telangana Government will aid Hyderabad to become one of the smartest cities soon'.

'Our objective for organizing this maiden Urban Hackathon was to involve the local public in our initiative to enhance the quality of life in the city. We are aiming for some encouraging solutions from the participants which could aid to our overall objective', added GHMC Special Commissioner A Babu.

The programme was followed by a Web Conference with Alfonso Govela Thomae, the co-founder of Mex-SmartCities. Microsoft which is the technology supporter of the Hackathon also conducted a session on Azure and mobile development platform during the program.

The program was attended by around 200 enthusiastic participants. The Hackathon was supported by Oracle, Cisco, IIT (H), IIIT (H) and NIT Warangal.

The Hackathon covered innovative concepts having a technological solution among 15 focus areas that include Public Transportation, Intelligent Transport Systems, Urban Mobility Sanitation & Waste Management Local Infrastructure including roads, power etc.

Disaster/Crisis Management, Water Supply, Urban Financing, Housing for All Smart Cities, Parking Management, Congestion Pricing, Non-motorised transport, Traffic Management, Lake Security, Women & General Safety Surveillance, Slum Management, etc.,