World report on Indian cities: 2025

Why in News?   A new World Bank report, launched on July 22, warns that Indian cities need $2.4 trillion by 2050 to build climate-resilient infrastructure and services, or they risk losing up to $5 billion due to floods, even as they are projected to create 70% of new jobs by 2030.

Relevance : UPSC/UPPSC

Prelims : About Reports/ Urban heat island effect.

Mains : GS 1/GS 3

Key Points of the Article:

Economic and Employment Projections:

• By 2030, Indian cities will account for 70% of new employment.
• By 2050, India’s urban population is projected to nearly double to 951 million.

Cost of Climate Resilience:

• Indian cities will require $2.4 trillion by 2050 for climate-resilient infrastructure and services.

High Risk of Floods:

• Flood risk is rising rapidly due to rapid urbanization.
• Cities exposed to flooding are growing fast and are not only densely populated but also structurally vulnerable.
• Estimated loss due to floods over 15 years is $5 billion.

Urban Autonomy and Governance:

• Cities with more decision-making autonomy perform better in managing climate risk.
• Implementation of the 74th Constitutional Amendment (which empowers Urban Local Bodies) is still weak in many states.

Heat-related Deaths:

• Heat-related deaths could exceed 3 lakh annually by 2050 due to the urban heat island effect.
• Structures and roads that absorb and release heat at night worsen the situation.

World Bank Recommendations:

1. Invest in climate-resilient transport, housing, stormwater drainage, and urban planning.
2. Emphasize data and risk-informed decision-making.
3. Promote private sector participation in climate adaptation infrastructure.

Additional Report Insights:

• The Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India report analyzed 10 large cities between 1983–1990 to 2010–2016.
• Exposure to heat stress increased by 17%.
• Urban planning must include flood zones, cooling designs, and green infrastructure.