'Most depressing, low-energy, low-frequency city:' Kolkata India's 'dirtiest city' says X user, triggering heated debate online
An X user, DS Balaji , has ignited a debate online after describing Kolkata as the "dirtiest city of India," sharing his unhygienic experiences during a recent visit. Balaji, a designer by profession, criticised various areas of the city, including Sealdah and Bada Bazaar, for their overflowing garbage, open gutters, and overpowering stench of urine.
He shared photos and videos to highlight the poor sanitation and infrastructure, expressing how the unhygienic conditions affected his stay, even preventing him from eating properly. While some users agreed with his observations, others pointed out that he had visited older parts of the city, known for their heritage buildings. The post has garnered 6.2 million views, sparking widespread discussion on Kolkata’s civic conditions.
He shared photos and videos to highlight the poor sanitation and infrastructure, expressing how the unhygienic conditions affected his stay, even preventing him from eating properly. While some users agreed with his observations, others pointed out that he had visited older parts of the city, known for their heritage buildings. The post has garnered 6.2 million views, sparking widespread discussion on Kolkata’s civic conditions.
“Kolkata—The dirtiest city of India”
Balaji shared in his post: "Kolkata – The dirtiest city of India. Sharing my personal experience from my recent visit to the capital of West Bengal. It was the most unhygienic experience I’ve had in any Indian city. Please take this thread positively, though I won’t mind if you don’t."
He further described Sealdah station and Bada Bazaar, both busy areas, as having open gutters and an overwhelming smell of urine. "Can't breathe properly. Locals were enjoying breakfast from a shop on top of the gutter nearby," he added.
Balaji also shared a photo of a vendor sitting atop an open gutter, selling garlic and ginger. He remarked that he had never encountered such conditions anywhere else in India, regardless of the area’s development. "It's just a lack of civic hygiene, which is truly sad to see," he wrote.
He then described a vegetable market he visited, where the unhygienic conditions were so off-putting that he couldn’t eat properly during his stay in Kolkata. "The food was placed on a filthy, gutter-covered floor. People were fighting, abusing, and spitting around. I couldn’t eat properly for two days in Kolkata," Balaji added.
Balaji’s critique of Kolkata’s infrastructure and public transport
Balaji also criticised the city’s infrastructure, claiming many buildings would not survive a strong earthquake. He commented on the excessive honking, which gave him a headache, and the difficulty in booking rides. "Can't book Uber or Rapidos because local taxi drivers beat them. Ended up with local taxis that cost double," he wrote. He also mentioned the inflated taxi fares and abusive behaviour from drivers if passengers didn’t comply with their demands.
Balaji recalled an unpleasant experience at the famous Kaali Ghaat temple, where local priests allegedly surrounded him, offering VIP darshan in exchange for money and attempting to sell him religious items. "Even inside the temple, the priests got agitated if you didn’t give them money," he said.
Summing up his experience, Balaji described Kolkata as "the most depressing, low-energy, low-frequency city" he had visited. He acknowledged that he may have visited the wrong places at the wrong times but expressed his hope that the city would improve in the future. "I wish the best for this city. May it improve, grow, and build like others," he concluded.
Mixed Reactions from the online community
Balaji’s post, which has garnered 6.2 million views, received a variety of responses. Some users agreed with his observations, while others pointed out that he had visited older parts of the city, known for their heritage buildings and poorer infrastructure. "Bro, you went to old Kolkata! Every city has an old part with poor infrastructure. It’s dirty. Go to Salt Lake or Newtown, and you’ll see the cleaner side of Kolkata. But yes, Kolkata does need improvements in civic sense," one user commented.
Another user added, “Sorry for your experience, but it seems you mostly visited Old Kolkata, which is a bit dirty, even I admit it. If possible, try visiting New Town or Victoria.”
A third commenter, born and raised in Kolkata, shared a personal reflection: “I was born, brought up, and schooled in Kolkata. I studied outside the city, but I can't ignore the truth you’ve spoken. It’s unfortunate, but it's a painful truth about my city.”
Next Story