India's economic growth fails to improve urban living conditions

India's rapid economic growth has not translated into improved urban living conditions, with cities facing issues like pollution and waste. Despite significant government spending on infrastructure like highways and metros, many Indian cities rank poorly in quality of life indices, leading to public frustration and protests. Experts attribute the problem to a historical lack of effective urban governance and decentralization, contrasting India's situation with China's more centralized yet locally empowered city management.