India's urban areas are poised to become significant economic hubs, with a new World Bank report indicating that cities will generate 70% of new jobs by 2030. However, the report emphasizes the urgent need for action to address extreme weather impacts and prevent substantial future financial losses.
The report, titled "Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India," was developed in collaboration with India's Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It highlights that India's urban population is expected to nearly double by 2050, reaching 951 million people. This growth necessitates over 144 million new homes by 2070. The study also notes rising temperatures due to heat waves and urban heat island effects, as well as increased flood vulnerability due to reduced stormwater absorption capacity.
The analysis focused on 24 Indian cities, including Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, Lucknow, Surat, and Thiruvananthapuram. It concludes that timely adaptation could prevent billions in annual losses from weather-related shocks. For instance, it estimates potential savings of $5 billion annually from pluvial floods by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070. Adaptation investments could also save over 130,000 lives from extreme heat impacts by mid-century.
Auguste Tano Kouamé, World Bank Country Director, stated: “The imperative for India to build resilient cities at scale is clear. By investing in more green and resilient urban development—including housing, transport, and municipal services – cities can better mitigate extreme heat conditions and urban floods.”
Key recommendations include implementing programs for extreme heat and flooding management through improved stormwater regulation and green spaces; investing in resilient infrastructure; modernizing waste management; making transport systems flood-resilient; and enhancing access to urban finance via private sector engagement.
The report projects that over $2.4 trillion will be required by 2050 for new resilient infrastructure in Indian cities. Private sector involvement is deemed crucial for meeting these investment needs.
Asmita Tiwari and Natsuko Kikutake co-authored the report stating: “Many Indian cities are showing the way to improve adaptation measures... Timely interventions will help India’s cities continue to safeguard lives and properties.”
Examples of proactive city measures include Ahmedabad's Heat Action Plan model aimed at improving early warning systems; Kolkata's flood forecasting system; Indore's modern waste management initiative; and Chennai's climate action plan targeting both adaptation and low-carbon growth.
This report received support from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).