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India must act swiftly to build resilient cities: World Bank
It urges urgent investment in urban resilience to avert climate-related losses and safeguard lives amid rapid urbanization.
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Bhavana P - Thu, 24, Jul 2025
- 14:05 EDT
- 37
Representative image / Image - Unsplash
India must take urgent steps to make its cities more resilient, a new World Bank report has warned citing rapid urbanization and climate change as threats to lives and the economy.
Titled ‘Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India’, the report outlines key challenges and opportunities for India's urban future, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
With India’s urban population projected to nearly double by 2050—reaching 951 million—over 144 million new homes will be required by 2070. However, cities are already grappling with rising temperatures from heat waves and the urban heat island effect, as well as increasing flood risks due to inadequate stormwater drainage.
The report emphasizes that over 50 percent of the urban infrastructure needed by 2050 is yet to be built, offering a critical opportunity to invest in green, resilient infrastructure.
Studying 24 cities, including Chennai, Indore, New Delhi, and Surat, the report shows that adaptation measures could avert $5 billion in annual flood-related losses by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070. It also estimates that over 130,000 lives could be saved from extreme heat by 2050.
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The report urges investment of over $2.4 trillion by 2050 in low-carbon, climate-resilient urban infrastructure, highlighting the vital role of the private sector. Recommendations include improved regulation for stormwater, expansion of green spaces, installation of cool roofs, and better early warning systems.
World Bank country director Auguste Tano Kouamé emphasized that resilient cities can drive jobs and economic growth while safeguarding populations. Examples from cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Indore, and Chennai show the effectiveness of localized climate strategies.
“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, and continue to grow and create jobs,” Kouamé said.
“Many Indian cities are showing the way to improve adaptation measures, benefit from good practices and fast track actions towards resilient urban growth. Timely interventions will help India’s cities continue to safeguard lives and properties, attract new businesses and jobs, and drive innovation,” said Asmita Tiwari and Natsuko Kikutake, co-authors of the report.
The report was supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), a multi-donor trust fund.
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