Rising Urban Vulnerability
Building Climate Resilient Cities in India: India’s cities are becoming highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Heavy monsoon rains in states like Punjab have already caused urban flooding, damaging lives and infrastructure. With the urban population expected to nearly double from 480 million in 2020 to about 951 million by 2050, the scale of the challenge is immense.
Static GK fact: India has 28 States and 8 Union Territories, but nearly 35% of the population lives in urban areas as per Census 2011.
Urban Flooding Challenges
By 2070, almost two-thirds of urban residents may face severe flooding risks with estimated economic losses of $30 billion annually. Weak drainage systems and encroachment of riverbanks worsen the problem.
Cities like Kolkata have started adopting flood forecasting and early warning systems. Nature-based solutions such as urban wetlands and rainwater harvesting are vital for resilience.
Heat Stress in Cities
Urban areas experience heat island effects, raising average temperatures by 3–5°C. This threatens health, reduces productivity, and burdens energy consumption.
Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan is a model that integrates early warning, public awareness, and healthcare preparedness. Urban greenery and rooftop gardens can reduce heat impacts while improving air quality.
Static GK Tip: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared 2023 as the hottest year ever recorded globally.
Transport and Connectivity Risks
Flooding of just 10–20% of roads can disrupt more than 50% of transport networks, halting economic activity. Critical systems like the Delhi Metro highlight the importance of flood-resilient infrastructure.
Risk mapping, resilient road design, and investment in green public transport are key to ensuring connectivity during climate shocks.
Waste and Energy Management
Rapid urbanisation increases waste generation, pressuring municipal services. Expanding waste-to-energy plants, upgrading recycling systems, and promoting segregation at source are urgent needs.
The Indore model of waste management, repeatedly ranked as the cleanest city in India, demonstrates how citizen participation and smart municipal planning can transform outcomes.
Static GK fact: Indore has won the Swachh Survekshan Award for cleanliness six consecutive times till 2022.
Governance and Financing Gaps
Weak institutional capacity and limited financing often delay climate-resilient projects. Encouraging public-private partnerships, ensuring citizen engagement, and creating city-level climate funds can accelerate progress.
Urban resilience also requires coordination across departments, with clear accountability for long-term planning.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Building Climate Resilient Cities in India:
| Topic | Detail |
| Urban population projection | Expected to reach 951 million by 2050 |
| Flood risk | Two-thirds of urban residents may face floods by 2070 |
| Economic loss from floods | Estimated $30 billion annually |
| Heat stress | Urban heat islands raise temperatures by 3–5°C |
| Model city for heat action | Ahmedabad with Heat Action Plan |
| Transport vulnerability | 10–20% of roads flooded can cripple 50% networks |
| Model for waste management | Indore city |
| Governance issue | Weak institutions and limited financing |
| Solution for floods | Stronger drainage, forecasting, wetlands |
| Global climate record | 2023 declared hottest year by WMO |
