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Smarter citizens for dumbed-down cities

Indian cities face chronic monsoon waterlogging due to poor civic planning, administrative neglect, and citizen apathy, as highlighted by the Bombay High Court. Widespread urban flooding stems from inadequate drainage and crumbling infrastructure. While climate change intensifies rainfall, its impact is exacerbated by collective neglect. Citizens contribute by littering and ignoring blocked drains. The author stresses shared responsibility: governments must invest in resilient drainage and waste management, while citizens must dispose of waste properly and maintain public infrastructure. True "smart cities" require nurturing "smart, civic-minded people" who understand this collective duty.

Economic Times · ET Bureau · Jul 9, 2026 at 6:58 PM

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