That’s true. But there is the other equally important part. Everyone can’t extend their balcony and take over the pavement by parking their numerous SUVs and pots if concerned government agencies didn’t choose to look the other way.
Why is it that this doesn’t typically happen in other countries? Because everyday life is not hostage to corruption.
Delhi has a problem. Everyone wants to build that extra room, extend the balcony, or just encroach the pavement. But they and the “others” to be penalised for breaking norms. No one wants to do the right thing, because “others” have done it too.