Smart Plaza: A Step Towards Sustainability

The Smart Plaza is the dazzling diamond embellishing the platinum-rated green city, New Town. New Town Kolkata Development authority had successfully set up an environment-friendly smart park named “Smart Plaza”. It is judiciously designed near Biswa Bangla gate and Rabindra Tirtha. It was inaugurated on 26th January 2021. The place provides a wonderful atmosphere where people could spend quality time as well as do their work peacefully. 

The park has round laptop tables which are made of granite, making them long-lasting. The tables also have charging facilities. The park is decorated with natural plants as well as some artificial flowers. This gorgeous collection of different flowers and plants made the park extraordinary. It also has a pretty canopy walk. The beauty of the park is amplified with the help of gazebos. The high-tech LED display and lighting add a magical essence to the park at night.

Why is it named “smart” plaza?

The park is sustainably designed with innovation and turned out to be resourceful. The lights switch off and on according to external conditions, such as traffic or the amount of sunlight.  

The lights are based on the internet of things (IoT) which are things that are embedded with sensors. It also uses a wide area network along with radio-frequency technology. The officials explained the technology as machine-to-machine communication. The system works through the transmission of signals to the cloud and is controlled by certain applications connecting it to the central control room. Officials work on data signals and current traffic movements. Nearly, after 2 a.m. when the traffic reduces, the officials dim the light using a remote-controlled applications. A device will be measuring the current light condition and whenever the lights become too dim, the controller will automatically increase the brightness. Thus, the consumption of energy is optimized. 

The introduction of container toilets has taken the development to the next level. It is highly inclusive as it reaches an area that lacks a proper sewerage system. It is affordable, accessible, and also saves water. 

Most importantly the park also provides a free Wifi facility which is highly in demand. People can easily carry on their official work sitting in the park itself.

The pillars of the metro tracks are uniquely utilized for vertical gardens. Thus, Smart plaza has upgraded the lifestyle of the Kolkata people.

Smart Plaza is eco-friendly and sustainable

The chirruping of birds and the colourful butterflies surrounding the flowers helps to maintain the ecosystem. The container toilets collect human excreta and dispose of it or reuse excreta. The nutrient-rich waste is converted to useful products like bio-gas, compost, and solid fuel. This system of container-based sanitation is hygienically safe as well as environment friendly.

The less consumption of energy by automated lights slower the depletion of the non-renewable sources of energy. Therefore, sustainable development is taking place where the development of the present generation is successfully fulfilled without compromising the need of the future generation. 

When and how can people explore the beautiful paradise  “ Smart Plaza”?

The park remains open every day from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is a pocket-friendly hangout place as it does not charge any entry fee. The park is highly crowded in the early morning as people come for morning work or meditation. The best time to explore the place would be afternoon. To visit the place, take a bus to Rabindra Tirtha bus stop. The park also provides a parking place. 

People are not allowed to have food inside the park to maintain its cleanliness. The nearest restaurant is Biswa Bangla restaurant.

Why Smart Plaza is built in New Town?

New Town is the fastest-growing city in Kolkata. As per 2018 reports, the residential population is estimated at around 1.5 million. Initially, the area consisted of mainly fields and water bodies which has gradually taken the shape of a green city. Initiatives are taken to declare New Town a green city, which is a part of the dream project of the Prime minister. According to the proposal of the current chief minister of West Bengal, New Town has a free Wifi zone of 10.5 km along the major Arterial road. New Town already has electric bikes and a water ATM. It is developing in the field of industries as well as residential places.

The busy people of New Town needed a calm place to spend their leisure time. It also helps people to build a relationship between humans and nature. It motivates and refreshes the mind of people. The place attracts a lot of viewers and allows enjoying the beauty. 

Thus, Smart plaza is contributing to the green city project.

New Town Kolkata development is embracing the sustainable changes   

The New Town Development Authority is proceeding with the plan of planting more trees. It is requesting the residents to set up electric vehicle charging points. The solar roof project is still in the initial phase. Under the project “Go Green”, Kolkata’s New Town is turning waste dumping grounds into micro gardens. Taking such a positive step in enhancing the beauty of the city. Even the solar power operated pumps are used to water the plants in the garden. These projects are uplifting the development of New Plaza as well. 

Therefore, New Town is all set to turn itself sustainable. 

Lockdown halted the progression of the Green city, New Town

Kolkata has faced the devastating effect of Covid -19. New Town has been through several long-term as well as short-term  lockdowns. People were suffering mentally as well as physically. The closing of markets and tourists places led to economic crises. Three places in New Town were declared as containment zones in January 2022. The unstable situation halted the progress of the city and directly affected the Smart Plaza. Although the Smart Plaza was inaugurated in January 2021 it was closed due to lockdown. This uncertainty reduced the rate of development of the park. 

New plaza back on track

Despite being hit by lockdowns, it did not leave a chance to amaze people. With the end of the lockdown, it grabbed a lot of attention. People gradually started to prefer the park. The park showcased natural beauty along with developing technologies. This combination proved that the dream of sustainable development is taking the shape of reality.

Reviews of the people regarding the Smart Plaza 

The park creates a community space engaging a lot of people of varying ages. It became one of the best hangout places in New Town. Not only New Town people but also people from different corners of Kolkata visit this wonderful park. Vlogs and posts related to the park grabbed a lot of attention. People feel mesmerized while having a canopy walk. Many people shared their personal experiences online and referred to the park as a different world. For some, it was unbelievable as they did not expect such green scenery amidst the crowded city of Kolkata. The charm of the natural beauty did fascinate the photographers as well. The viewers are highly pleased with the gorgeous collection of seasonal flowers which adorned the park.