SURAT: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) is set to introduce a QR code-based identification system for properties in the city, an initiative touted to be the first-of-its-kind in India.
This project aims to provide a digital identity to each property and eventually integrate all municipal services through QR-based identification.
“This is the first project in the country where QR codes will be assigned to properties. After rolling it out for health services, we will gradually link other municipal services to the system,” said SMC commissioner Shalini Agarwal.
The project will initially be used for monitoring vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. A digital disease surveillance system will be developed to collect real-time data, enabling authorities to take swift action to curb outbreaks.
Health surveyors will scan the QR code assigned to a property to update health-related data. The data will be analyzed using an AI-based system to predict malaria hotspots. A digital dashboard will track trends, allowing authorities to take timely preventive measures and enhance public awareness.
Taking a step towards smart urban governance, SMC is collaborating with IIT Kanpur and the ministry of housing and urban affairs to develop a Centre for Excellence in artificial intelligence. The Integrated Command and Control Centre will feature image processing, AI-driven data analytics, and municipal e-governance tools.
Recently, SMC launched a two-way WhatsApp complaint and communication service. Expanding on this, payment facilities will soon be integrated. Additionally, SMC is working on an e-signature facility for citizens, allowing them to digitally sign documents while submitting applications. Aadhaar e-KYC services will also be introduced to streamline access to various municipal services.
