Why in news?
With heatwaves, floods and pollution affecting urban areas, the need to make Indian cities resilient to climate change has become urgent. In September 2025 government reports and expert panels stressed that adaptation measures must accompany emissions reduction to protect vulnerable populations.
Current urban challenges
India’s urban population is set to cross 600 million by 2030, placing enormous pressure on housing, transport and public services. Many cities are already experiencing extreme heat, water scarcity and flooding. Rapid expansion often encroaches on wetlands and green spaces, while informal settlements expose millions to disaster risks.
Why climate resilience matters
- Protecting lives: Extreme weather events lead to deaths, injuries and outbreaks of disease. Resilient infrastructure saves lives.
- Economic stability: Disasters damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains. Investing in resilience can reduce long‑term losses and increase productivity.
- Social inclusion: Marginalised communities, such as slum dwellers and the elderly, suffer the most from climate impacts. A resilience strategy should prioritise their needs.
Initiatives and strategies
- Policy frameworks: The National Action Plan on Climate Change includes missions on sustainable habitat and water conservation. Urban local bodies are drafting heat action plans and urban flood management protocols.
- Infrastructure upgrades: Creating green roofs, restoring wetlands, widening drainage channels and improving public transport reduce vulnerability. Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT support such investments.
- Community engagement: Municipalities are involving residents in disaster preparedness, rainwater harvesting and waste segregation. Public awareness campaigns promote cooling centres during heatwaves and early‑warning systems.
- Financing and partnerships: Climate‑resilient projects require funding from national budgets, green bonds and public‑private partnerships. International climate funds and development banks can supplement domestic resources.
Way forward
- Integrate climate risk assessments into urban planning and development control regulations.
- Strengthen the capacity of urban local bodies through training, staffing and use of technology such as geographic information systems (GIS).
- Promote nature‑based solutions—like urban forests, permeable pavements and river restoration—that provide ecosystem services and improve quality of life.
- Encourage state governments to design inclusive heat and flood preparedness plans, ensuring that the poorest residents are not left behind.