Why India Cannot Plan Its Cities?

Why do Indian cities feel chaotic and unplanned? Is it poor governance, rapid growth, or something deeper? In this video, we break down the real reason behind India's urban crisis based on Ananya Roy’s influential theory of informality. From Bangalore’s infrastructure failures to land conflicts in West Bengal, we explain how planning in India actually works—and why it often leads to inequality, conflict, and unpredictability. This video is perfect for students of urban planning, development studies, and anyone interested in how cities grow in the Global South. Topics covered: 00:00 The Horizon of Inequality 00:58 The Case of Bangalore 01:53 Aggressive Efficiency & Land Seizures in West Bengal 02:47 Selective Legality: The Akshardham Temple Example 03:48 The Strategic Value of Legal Ambiguity 04:29 Political Patronage and Survival for the Poor 05:21 The Central Paradox of Indian Urban Planning Subscribe to the School of Planning channel for more insights on urban development and city design. #UrbanPlanning #India #CityPlanning #Informality #Development #Geography #Architecture #UrbanStudies