A recent World Bank report, “Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India,” delivered a compelling mandate for India’s urban future: a staggering $2.4 trillion investment is required by 2050 to forge climate-resilient, low-carbon urban infrastructure and services. This substantial financial commitment, projected to escalate to $10.9 trillion by 2070, is deemed crucial for a nation whose urban population is set to nearly double from 480 million in 2020 to an estimated 951 million by mid-century. The report accentuates that over half of the necessary urban growth, encompassing new infrastructure, buildings, and essential services, is yet to materialise, presenting an unparalleled opportunity for strategic, climate-conscious urban planning.
The World Bank’s analysis strongly emphasises that timely, proactive measures are paramount to avert substantial future damages and economic losses stemming from climate and disaster impacts. The cost of retrofitting existing urban infrastructure to withstand climate shocks is underscored as prohibitively high, reinforcing the urgent need to embed resilience directly into future urban expansion. This strategic shift is not merely about protecting assets; it is fundamentally about enhancing the quality of life for citizens and ensuring sustained economic momentum in the face of escalating environmental threats.
Also Watch: “Mumbai will rock, shine and always be India’s best city to live.” In an exclusive, MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS) talks about Mumbai’s enduring charm, livability, and the government’s focus on making it affordable for all
The report issues a stark warning regarding the intensifying climate risks. Cities, as densely concentrated hubs of people and assets, are particularly vulnerable to more frequent and intense climate events such as severe floods, extreme heatwaves, and pervasive water scarcity. Urban pluvial or stormwater flooding-related losses, currently accounting for 0.5 to 2.5 per cent of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, are projected to double under a high-emission global scenario. Compounding this challenge is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which exacerbates heatwaves within city centres, potentially doubling heat-related deaths in Indian cities by 2050 if current trajectories persist.
The interconnected nature of urban systems means that a breakdown in key infrastructure assets, such as roads, electricity lines, or water supply, can trigger cascading failures, effectively paralysing cities and leading to significant economic dislocations. For instance, urban flooding can lead to widespread road closures, disrupt traffic flow, affect power grids, and incur substantial damages and economic losses, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and impacting daily livelihoods. This highlights the critical need for integrated and resilient urban planning that considers the entire ecosystem of a city.
Crucially, the World Bank advocates for a fundamental shift from conventional “grey infrastructure” towards nature-based solutions. Urban parks, restored wetlands, and green roofs are highlighted as offering faster, more cost-effective mitigation against floods, significant improvements in air quality, and crucial relief from urban heat. Experts cited in the report suggest that nature-based infrastructure can be approximately 50 per cent cheaper than traditional grey infrastructure while providing comparable services. This transition towards greener infrastructure is vital for India’s commitment to zero net carbon emissions and the creation of eco-friendly, sustainable, and equitable cities where all citizens can thrive in the face of a changing climate. Investing in such resilient and green urban development offers a dual benefit: safeguarding communities from climate impacts while simultaneously improving environmental health and resource efficiency.
Also Read: Air India Flight AI 2744 Skids Off Mumbai Runway Amid Rain Today
