Wednesday, 7 January 2026
India has crossed a threshold in its development journey. While a large share of the population still resides outside cities, economic activity is now overwhelmingly concentrated in urban areas. Cities generate most of the country’s output, attract the bulk of investment and serve as the primary engines of productivity. This shift has brought prosperity and opportunity, but it has also exposed deep structural weaknesses in how urban growth has been planned and managed.
The pace of urban expansion over the coming decades is expected to be transformative. India’s cities are set to absorb hundreds of millions of additional residents by the middle of the century, placing unprecedented pressure on land, water, transport systems and public services. As density increases, so does vulnerability—particularly to climate-related shocks that are becoming more frequent and intense.
Among the most visible consequences of this imbalance is urban flooding. What were once occasional disruptions have become recurring events across many cities, causing damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods year after year. The underlying causes are largely structural. Rapid construction has often taken place on natural drainage channels and low-lying land, while the spread of paved surfaces has reduced the ability of cities to absorb rainfall. Drainage systems designed for smaller populations and milder weather patterns are now routinely overwhelmed.
Changing climate conditions have compounded these weaknesses. Short bursts of intense rainfall are occurring more often, overwhelming urban systems that were never designed for such extremes. The human and economic costs are substantial, and they disproportionately affect low-income communities living in areas with inadequate housing and basic services.
In response, attention is gradually shifting toward approaches that work with natural systems rather than against them. Restoring water bodies, creating green spaces that absorb runoff and redesigning streets and public areas to allow water to percolate into the ground are increasingly seen as essential tools for reducing flood risk. In some cities, these ideas are already being tested through the revival of urban ponds, wetlands and parks that serve both environmental and social functions.
Climate resilience is not limited to flood management. Buildings play a central role in shaping urban sustainability. As cities grow denser and hotter, poorly designed structures intensify heat stress and drive up energy demand for cooling. Improving building design to reduce heat gain, enhance ventilation and lower electricity consumption has become a priority. Energy-efficient construction standards and high-performance design concepts are helping to demonstrate how cities can remain liveable while reducing their environmental footprint.
Waste and water management present another critical challenge. Rapid urbanisation has strained municipal systems, making it difficult to keep pace with rising volumes of waste and wastewater. In several cities, partnerships with private operators have helped improve collection, processing and long-term operation of treatment facilities. Where implemented effectively, these models have delivered cleaner neighbourhoods and more reliable services, showing how shared responsibility can strengthen urban resilience.
Transport is also undergoing a gradual transformation. Cities are exploring lower-carbon mobility options, including water-based transport in suitable locations, alongside expanded public transit systems. These investments aim not only to reduce emissions but also to provide redundancy and flexibility in the face of climate disruptions.
The need for climate-resilient infrastructure in India’s cities is no longer a distant concern—it is a present necessity. Urban growth will continue, but whether it amplifies risk or builds resilience depends on the choices made today. Integrating climate considerations into planning, construction and service delivery is essential if cities are to remain engines of growth rather than centres of recurring crisis.
India’s urban future will be defined not just by how fast its cities expand, but by how well they adapt. Resilient infrastructure, grounded in local conditions and supported by coordinated public and private action, offers the most credible path toward cities that are productive, inclusive and prepared for a changing climate.
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