CBRE South Asia Pvt Ltd reveals that approximately 50% of India’s public infrastructure is inadequately prepared to withstand both natural and man-made disasters. This alarming statistic was highlighted during the Infrastructure Management Conference 2024, held in Delhi, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure resilience. Organised by CBRE in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the conference addressed the pressing vulnerabilities facing the nation.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, poses substantial risks to India’s economy, populace, and long-term development trajectory. Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of CBRE for India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, pinpointed inadequate risk management as a fundamental issue. “The challenges encountered in infrastructure projects largely stem from insufficient risk management, leading to significant financial losses and hindering GDP growth,” he stated. Magazine emphasised the necessity for a proactive strategy to ensure that infrastructure development aligns with sustainable and resilient practices. Several factors contributing to this precarious situation were identified during the conference. Unplanned urbanisation, demographic changes, and the impacts of climate change have exacerbated the vulnerability of infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas. Environmental degradation further complicates the landscape, making it imperative for stakeholders to rethink their approaches.
A significant aspect of the discussion revolved around the adoption of Smart Facilities Management (FM) as a means to bolster disaster preparedness. Advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and machine learning algorithms were acknowledged as vital tools for predicting and preventing equipment failures. These innovations can effectively reduce downtime and optimise resource allocation in real estate assets.
