India's urban unlivability reveals systemic governance and infrastructure failures
Original framing: “India is getting richer, but its cities are unlivable” — The Japan Times
Scientific studies have shown that urban air quality in Indian cities is among the worst globally, with particulate matter levels far exceeding WHO guidelines. These conditions are exacerbated by industrial emissions, vehicle congestion, and the lack of green spaces, all of which are symptoms of poor urban planning.
India's urban unlivability is a systemic issue rooted in historical colonial urban planning, inadequate governance, and the marginalization of local voices.
By integrating indigenous knowledge, green infrastructure, and participatory governance, Indian cities can transition toward more sustainable and equitable models. Cross-cultural examples from Medellín and Porto Alegre show that bottom-up approaches can lead to transformative change. Future urban planning must prioritize climate resilience and community inclusion to address the deep structural causes of urban decline.