Historic destinations like Jaipur struggle with urban decay, toxic air and poor infrastructure despite tourism boom and massive infrastructure spending

Indian tourist cities are becoming increasingly unliveable for residents despite attracting millions of visitors annually, with historic destinations plagued by toxic air, crumbling infrastructure and inadequate waste management systems.

Jaipur, Rajasthan's amber-hued capital famous for opulent palaces and majestic forts, exemplifies the crisis. Local taxi driver told BBC correspondent that centuries-old architectural monuments stand defaced by tobacco stains, jostling for space with car repair workshops. "Want the royal charm of Jaipur? Don't come here, just buy a postcard," the driver quipped, reflecting resigned hopelessness about urban decay.

Crisis extends beyond tourist destinations to major metropolitan areas. Bengaluru, known as India's Silicon Valley, witnessed public outbursts from billionaire entrepreneurs and citizens fed up with traffic congestion and garbage accumulation. Mumbai residents staged rare protests against worsening potholes as clogged sewage dumped waste onto flooded streets during monsoon.

Delhi's toxic winter smog forced doctors to advise vulnerable residents to leave the capital. Even footballer Lionel Messi's December visit was overshadowed by fans chanting against poor air quality.

Vinayak Chatterjee, veteran infrastructure expert, identified historical governance failures as the root cause. "When India's constitution was written, it spoke of the devolution of power to the central and state governments, but it did not imagine that our cities would grow to become so massive that they would need a separate governance structure," Chatterjee told BBC.

World Bank data shows over 50 crore Indians, nearly 40 per cent of the population, now live in urban areas. This represents staggering growth from 1960 when only 7 crore Indians resided in cities.

Constitutional amendment in 1992 attempted to empower local bodies with urban governance, but provisions remain largely unimplemented. "Vested interests don't allow bureaucrats and the higher levels of government to devolve power and empower local bodies," Chatterjee explained.

Indian mayors lack powers to raise revenue, appoint officials or allocate funds independently. State chief ministers act as super mayors, controlling city-level decisions. This contrasts with China, where city mayors wield substantial executive powers over urban planning and infrastructure.

Ankur Bisen, author of Wasted, described Indian mayors as "the weakest organs of the state, closest to the citizenry, but tasked with the toughest problems to solve". He noted exceptional cases like Surat after the 1990s plague and Indore in Madhya Pradesh, where empowered bureaucrats achieved transformative changes through individual brilliance rather than systemic reform.

India faces deeper challenges beyond fractured governance. Last census, conducted over 15 years ago, recorded 30 per cent urban population. Informally, nearly half the country now displays urban characteristics, with next census delayed until 2026. "But how do you even begin to solve a problem if you don't have data on the extent and nature of urbanisation?" Bisen questioned.

Government has invested hundreds of billions in infrastructure upgrades, building modern airports, multi-lane highways and metro networks. However, Indian cities continue ranking at bottom of global liveability indexes. Mumbai, which publicly harboured dreams of becoming another Shanghai in the 1990s, remains unable to realise that ambition.

Ramanath Jha, Distinguished Fellow at Observer Research Foundation, highlighted China's centralised planning model where local governments maintain implementation freedom with central monitoring. Chinese city mayors have powerful Communist Party connections, making positions "important stepping stones for further promotions" according to Brookings Institution. "How many names of mayors of major Indian cities do we even know?" Chatterjee asked.

Data vacuum and non-implementation of frameworks outlined in 74th constitutional amendment reflect weakening grassroots democracy, experts warned. Chatterjee expressed surprise at lack of public outcry about urban decay comparable to anti-corruption movements from previous years.

Bisen suggested India requires a "cycle of realisation" similar to London's Great Stink of 1858, which prompted construction of new sewerage systems and ended cholera outbreaks. "It's usually events like these when things reach a boiling point, that issues gain political currency," Bisen said.

Indian cities generate millions of tonnes of rubbish annually, but waste disposal systems remain inadequate. Tourist destinations suffer particularly as heritage sites deteriorate while hosting increasing visitor numbers, creating paradox where cities market historical grandeur while infrastructure crumbles around monuments.

Source: BBC News