Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs introduced two significant initiatives — the EatSmart Cities Challenge and the Transport 4 All Challenge. These programmes are designed to promote healthier food practices, habits, and accessible public transportation.
The EatSmart Cities Challenge Explained
Launched as part of the Eat Right India initiative, this challenge aims to recognise and encourage smart cities that have shown remarkable efforts in promoting a healthier food environment. Open to all Smart Cities, capital cities of states/UTs, and cities with over five lakh population, the competition focuses on supporting safe, healthy and sustainable food lifestyles.
Besides advocating dietary changes, this challenge also involves applying ‘smart’ solutions to combat food-related issues. It carries a potential of driving significant social and behavioural changes towards food safety, hygiene, and nutrition.
Related Initiatives – Adding Value To the EatSmart Cities Challenge
Several other initiatives complement the EatSmart Cities Challenge. For instance, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently limited trans fatty acids (TFA) in oils and fats to 3% for 2021 and 2% by 2022, significantly decreasing from the current limit of 5%.
Pushing the boundaries of technology, ‘Raman 1.0’, a rapid detection device, can detect adulteration in edible oils, fats, and ghee within 60 seconds. Additionally, the Food Safety Magic Box, a DIY food testing kit, enables school students to check for food adulterants in classroom labs.
The Food Safety Mitra scheme supports small and medium food businesses comply with food safety laws and facilitates licensing and registration process, hygiene ratings, and training programs. The Eat Right Mela, an event aimed at inducing individuals towards healthier eating habits, educates citizens about the health benefits of different food types.
The Transport 4 All Challenge – A Deeper Dive
In collaboration with The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), the Transport 4 All Challenge seeks to foster solutions that enhance public transportation. It plans to assemble cities, citizen groups, and start-ups to create better, safer, more affordable, comfortable, and reliable public transportation systems for all.
The ITDP, a non-profit organization, is known for its work in developing bus rapid transit systems, promoting biking, walking, non-motorized transport, and improving private bus operators margins.
Objective and Significance of the Transport 4 All Challenge
This digital innovation challenge strives to develop digital solutions that can revolutionize how public transport operates post-pandemic. One of the hardest-hit sectors during COVID-19 was transportation. Therefore, this challenge has the potential to help cities recover from this mobility crisis, supporting them and start-ups throughout the country to move towards digital transformation in urban mobility.
Addressing Urban Transport Issues – A Look at Other Initiatives
There are several other initiatives focusing on urban transport issues. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) focuses on achieving national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme supports the market development and manufacturing ecosystem of hybrid/electric vehicles.
The Mass Rapid Transit/ Transport Systems (MRTS), introduced in 2017, aims at improving collaborations, standardising norms, financing and creating a procurement mechanism to implement projects effectively. The Personal Rapid Transit System (PRT) combines small automated vehicles known as pods, operating on a network of specially built guideways.
Under the Smart Cities Mission, the Indian government launched the Green Urban Mobility Initiative (GUMI) to boost green and sustainable alternatives. The initiative fosters an environment-friendly approach to urban transportation.
