Copyright infringement not intended
Picture Courtesy: INDIAN EXPRESS
The World Bank report highlights India's potential for economic growth, with 70% of new jobs expected to come from cities by 2030. However, extreme weather events, such as floods in Punjab and heatwaves in Delhi, pose a significant economic threat.
Floods
Two-thirds of urban residents face flooding risks, with losses projected at $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070. (World Bank)
Unchecked growth and poor drainage systems leave cities vulnerable to floods.
Shrinking lake buffer zones, such as in Bengaluru, exacerbate flooding and contamination risks.
Heatwaves
Rising temperatures and concrete-heavy landscapes amplify extreme heat, threatening health and productivity.
Water Shortages
Almost two-thirds districts are threatened by falling groundwater levels.
Erratic monsoons disrupt water supply, leading to near "Day Zero" situations in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru.
Coastal Threats
India's 7516-km coastline, home to major economic hubs, faces rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion, and marine pollution.
Warming oceans intensify cyclones and cause erosion; about 5,700 km of the coastline is prone to cyclones and tsunamis.
Economic and Social Costs
India may lose around 3-10% of GDP annually by 2100 and poverty rate may rise by 3.5% 2040 due to climate change, according to the report Costs of Climate Change in India.
Protecting Economic Growth
Cities serve as engines of economic growth, their climate vulnerability directly threatens India's long-term prosperity and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Reducing Vulnerability
Traditional construction and design techniques are insufficient to address the effects of climate change, such as altered rainfall patterns, heatwaves, and energy resource challenges.
Ensuring Safety
Building climate-resilient cities helps protect human life, infrastructure, and the environment from the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters.
Promoting Efficiency
Resilient homes and cities use energy and resources efficiently, ensuring lower operational costs through energy conservation, also reduce maintenance costs due to durable, climate-friendly materials.
Ensuring Long-Term Property
Investing in climate-resilient homes ensures property remains safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient, also increase long-term property value.
Addressing Urban Challenges
Cities like Bangalore are already designing with green building principles to cope with rising temperatures, water scarcity, and urban heat islands.
Integrating greenery through smart landscaping improves air quality and reduces the urban heat island effect.
Weak Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)
ULBs lack funds (property tax is just 0.2% of GDP), trained staff, and data to plan for climate risks.
Financial Constraints
India will require around $1.5 trillion in investments by 2030 to tackle climate change and accelerate its energy transition, according to a report by Deloitte.
Rapid & Unplanned Urbanization
Urban population could reach 600 million by 2036, creating energy demands and infrastructure stress.
Poor urban planning decisions, like shrinking lake buffer zones for construction, exacerbate flooding and contamination risks.
Weak Governance
Poorly coordinated mandates across various institutions. Many urban local bodies (ULBs) lack staff, funds, and expertise to integrate climate resilience effectively.
Success of urban planning policies depends on operational feasibility and cultural acceptance, not just design.
Inadequate Infrastructure
Traditional construction and design techniques are insufficient for climate change impacts.
Cities often import water from distant sources at massive energy costs, while local water bodies degrade.
Only about 30% of urban wastewater receives treatment, polluting potable sources.
Social Vulnerabilities
Vulnerable populations, especially in slum areas, face disproportionate impacts.
Workers experience increased heat-related stress.
Agricultural distress drives rural-to-urban migration, straining urban infrastructure and creating new social vulnerabilities.
Lack of Political Will
Implementing changes, such as enforcing limits on groundwater extraction, requires strong political will.
What Steps Are Already in Place?
National Framework of Climate Service (NFCS) consolidates climate service efforts from various agencies to tailor information for climate-sensitive sectors.
Bharat Forecasting System provides localized forecasts essential for agricultural planning, disaster management, and early warning systems.
National and State Action Plans on Climate Change (NAPCC, SAPCCs) provide overarching frameworks for climate adaptation.
Urban missions like Smart Cities and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) integrate resilience into core urban infrastructure projects.
Companies like Farmonaut utilize satellite imagery, AI analytics, and blockchain for real-time monitoring of crop health and soil moisture, providing precision agriculture solutions and early warnings.
Deep Ocean Mission (DoM) explores underwater mineral wealth and develops vulnerability maps for coastal areas due to climate change.
Atal Bhujal Yojana promotes decentralized groundwater management through local water user associations and participatory water budgeting.
India leads the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), promoting cross-border partnerships and securing funding for urban infrastructure resilience.
Fix Urban Planning
Design integrated cities, ban building in flood-prone zones, and enforce strict building codes.
Integrate climate adaptation into all levels of governance.
Empower ULBs with funds, legal power, and training to lead climate action.
Tackle Floods and Heat:
Build modern drainage and restore wetlands to absorb floodwater, like Chennai’s stormwater upgrades.
Plant trees, use cool roofs, and shift work hours to fight heat, following Ahmedabad’s model.
Use AI for flood warnings, as like Kolkata, to save lives and property.
Scale Up Green Building Materials (GBMs)
Fund startups to develop low-carbon materials like geopolymer concrete.
Set up testing labs to certify GBMs and build trust in the market.
Strengthen Transport and Services
Turn waste into energy and adopt circular economy ideas to clean air and water.
Plan water systems with climate in mind, mandatory rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge as part of urban planning.
Secure Funding and Partnerships
Use green bonds and public-private partnerships to raise $1.5 trillion by 2030.
Partner with EU, Australia and Southeast Asia for tech and funds.
Put Communities First
Involve locals in planning to protect their rights and livelihoods.
Encourage, community-led projects, like Bangladesh’s flood adaptation models.
Push Clean Energy and Decarbonization
Speed up solar and wind projects to hit 500 GW by 2030, especially in rural areas.
Develop local tech for batteries and carbon capture to cut reliance on imports.
Conclusion
Indian cities are facing crises like floods, heat, and water, threatening lives and growth. To build resilient cities, India must implement the 3Cs: coordination, capacity, and community, which will boost economic growth, protect millions, and create sustainable urban hubs for India's future.
Source: INDIAN EXPRESS
|
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Rapid and unplanned urbanization has exacerbated the impacts of extreme weather events in Indian cities. Critically analyze. 150 words |
A climate-resilient city is one that can withstand, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change, such as heatwaves and floods.
A circular economy aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency by reusing, recycling, and remanufacturing materials.
NDMA's role is to develop guidelines and strategies for disaster risk reduction and to build the capacity of local governments to manage climate-related risks.
© 2025 iasgyan. All right reserved
