India’s biggest urban problem might not be potholes. It could be us
An opinion piece argues that India's urban infrastructure challenges are exacerbated by poor civic behavior rather than just a lack of facilities. The author highlights issues like illegal parking, traffic rule violations, and littering as primary contributors to urban decay.
Why it matters
The article shifts the discourse on urban development from purely governmental responsibility to a shared accountability between the state and citizens.
Indian cities pour substantial funds into infrastructure — roads, flyovers, metro networks, beautification drives, and waste-management systems. And yet, many of the most glaring urban problems stem not from a lack of infrastructure, but from everyday human behavior.Overflowing bins spew garbage, cars are parked on sidewalks, motorists drive on the wrong side, public walls are used as dumping and spitting grounds and traffic rules are often considered optional. The result is a weird paradox: citizens demand better cities while also often being part of the disarray they complain about.It’s not always an infrastructure issueBroken footpath needs to be repaired. But the use of footpath as parking space is a civic failure.
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