India's big cities are choking on toxic air, broken roads, and piles of uncollected rubbish, making them hard places to live. In Jaipur, a taxi driver said, "Want the royal charm of Jaipur? Don't come here, just buy a postcard." This shows the poor state of many Indian cities, which suffer from traffic jams, bad pollution, and neglect of heritage sites. Despite billions spent on new airports, highways, and metro trains, cities rank low on liveability. Bengaluru sees growing frustration over traffic and garbage. Mumbai residents protested worsening potholes and sewage floods during the monsoon. Delhi suffers severe winter smog, causing health warnings and even protests during famous football star Messi's visit. Experts blame poor city governance. Vinayak Chatterjee said, "Our cities don't have a credible governance model." The 74th constitutional amendment gave cities more power in 1992, but many rules were never fully used. "Vested interests don't allow devolving power," he added. Unlike China, where mayors have strong powers and clear targets, Indian city leaders have limited control. Ramanath Jha noted China's central planning with local freedom contrasts India's weak city leadership. Author Ankur Bisen said, "Mayors and local councils are the weakest organs of the state, tasked with the toughest problems." Most power lies with state chief ministers rather than local bodies. There are rare successes, like Surat and Indore, driven by powerful leaders, but these are exceptions. India also lacks up-to-date data on its urban growth. Nearly half the population may now live in urban areas, but the last census was 15 years ago. Experts warn India needs urgent reforms. "It's strange that there is no outcry about our cities," Chatterjee said. Bisen compared the situation to London's 'Great Stink' in 1858, when crisis led to major city reforms. India may need a similar turning point to save its cities from decay.