Citizen’s engagement is one the major components in the process of planning for Smart City development proposal. Citizen’s engagement provides the opportunity to co-create the smart city by identifying creative and innovative solutions to common urban challenges. It acts as a bridge between the development plan and the needs of the people; it ensures that most of the urgent needs of the communities are met in the proposal. It is also one of the ways to develop sense of ownership and belongingness among the people for the development of their own city and the support of people can be gaged for the project.
Dharamshala Municipal Corporation conducted intense citizen engagement activities at multiple levels in the city using different means. Various strategies were adopted to ensure active participation of people in order to ensure the participation of citizens in the process at all the levels. As a result of the face to face consultation, people came up with suggestion and proposals which they submitted to MC Dharamshala. The strategies and methods adopted for citizens’ engagement by MC Dharamshala are explained below:
These included:
• Smart City discussion forum on MC Dharamshala website
• Social media - Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
• Call for ideas through Logo design, branding and essay competitions
• Information kiosks at cultural and social events in the city
• Regular public meetings and Community level focused group discussions,
• Stakeholder workshops and meetings with various public agencies, city councilors, NGOs, local experts, the academia, hotelier and trade associations, taxi unions among others.
Now Municipal Corporation Dharamshala Invite the Suggestions on Draft Smart City Proposal. Project Specific suggestions are helpful to implement the Smart City Plan.
Draft Smart City Proposal
