In a viral social media thread, Shruti Chaturvedi,
founder of the India Action Project, shared her eye-opening experience
after spending two weeks in Vancouver, Canada—a city often ranked among
the most livable in the world. Her reflections sparked a wave of conversation
around urban planning, public spaces, and how much Indian cities can
learn from their global counterparts.
Shruti didn’t just admire the beauty of Vancouver—she
documented 19 clear comparisons that highlight the Canadian city's
strengths and where India falls short. From public transportation to urban
greenery, she makes a compelling case for why Indian citizens deserve better
infrastructure and planning.
1. Footpaths as Priority, Not Afterthought
The first and strongest point Shruti raised was how footpaths
are treated as critical architecture in Vancouver. They’re wide,
continuous, and shaded, and cars yield to pedestrians without honking.
Even in the suburbs, sidewalks are protected and respected.
Compare that with Indian cities, where pedestrians often
have to walk on roads due to encroached or broken footpaths—if they exist at
all.
2. Public Transport That Works
Vancouver offers seamless, reliable public transport
— SkyTrains, buses, and ferries all work under one card and one app.
“Never had to wait,” Shruti shared. In contrast, Indian cities often struggle
with unreliable, overcrowded, and poorly integrated public transport systems.
3. Parks, Greenery, and Nature as Essentials
Shruti was amazed at how parks are integral to city
planning. Even small neighborhoods have green spaces. Nature is considered
sacred—not just worshipped, but respected and preserved. Mountains, trees, and
rivers are incorporated into the urban design instead of being destroyed for
development.
4. Public Spaces Belong to Everyone
In Vancouver, public spaces stay public. Shruti noted
how libraries, community centers, and pools are accessible to all citizens—not
just those who can afford premium memberships. Public health is built into city
life through walkability, clean air, and green zones.
5. Smart Urban Planning and Pollution Control
One major point of difference was the placement of polluting
industries. In Vancouver, they're located far from residential zones,
minimizing exposure. Indian cities, however, often have factories or polluted
rivers dangerously close to where people live.
6. Where India Scores: Healthcare and Housing
Interestingly, Shruti acknowledged two areas where India
holds its own: healthcare and (in some cases) housing.
In Canada, while healthcare is “free,” long wait times can
stretch to months or even years. And international students or visitors without
insurance can face bills as high as $1500 for a single ER visit.
Meanwhile, India—despite limited resources—offers accessible
public healthcare that reaches rural and urban populations alike.
She also compared Vancouver’s expensive housing market
to cities like Mumbai, where home ownership is also out of reach for
many.
7. Final Thoughts: A Call for Smarter Indian Cities
Shruti concluded her post with a heartfelt message:
“I have compiled what I’ve observed and wish gets
implemented in India while preserving our culture and interest of all Indian
citizens. We deserve better.”
Her 19-point thread wasn’t just a comparison—it was a wake-up
call. With the right planning and political will, Indian cities can
be greener, cleaner, and more inclusive without losing their cultural identity.
Conclusion
Shruti Chaturvedi’s observations offer more than praise for
a foreign city—they highlight the urgent need for transformation in
Indian urban design. While Indian cities have their own charm, history, and
potential, the bar for livability must rise. As citizens, we must demand
infrastructure that respects both people and the planet—because, truly, we
deserve better.