The document discusses challenges for developing self-sustainable smart cities in India, using Bilaspur as a case study. Rapid urbanization in Bilaspur has led to haphazard growth, increased resource demands, and loss of green cover. Bilaspur relies heavily on groundwater resources and surface water sources located over 26km away. However, this endangers the agricultural lands and farmers in the surrounding regions that rely on these same water sources. For smart cities to be truly sustainable, they must aim for self-sufficiency, reduce their resource demands on surrounding regions through recycling and reuse, and mitigate their environmental impacts on the periphery through reduced pollution and degradation.