(GS3, 2021) :How Can Indian Cities Be Made More Resilient to Climate Change?

 (GS3, 2021) :How Can Indian Cities Be Made More Resilient to Climate Change? 

Introduction

With rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and frequent floods, Indian cities face severe climate risks. The World Bank warns that unplanned urbanization could lead to billions in economic losses by 2050. To combat this, India must adopt climate-resilient urban planning.

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Key Strategies for Climate-Resilient Cities

**1. Green Infrastructure & Urban Forestry

• Expand green cover (parks, vertical gardens, urban forests) to reduce heat island effect.
• Example: Chennai’s Miyawaki forests have lowered local temperatures by 2-3°C.
• Policy Link: National Mission for Green India.

**2. Stormwater & Flood Management

• Restore wetlands & lakes (e.g., Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar revival).
• Permeable pavements and sponge city concepts (like China’s model).
• Example: Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront reduces flood risks.

**3. Heat Action Plans (HAPs)

• Cool roofs (reflective paint) in slums (e.g., Delhi & Ahmedabad).
• Early warning systems for heatwaves (IMD + local govt. collaboration).
• Public cooling shelters (like Odisha’s model).

**4. Sustainable Transport & Energy

• Expand metro networks (reduces emissions & congestion).
• Solar-powered streetlights (e.g., Surat’s solar initiatives).
• EV promotion (e.g., Delhi’s EV Policy 2023).

**5. Disaster-Resilient Housing

• Flood-resistant architecture (stilt houses in coastal areas).
• Earthquake-resistant buildings (e.g., Bhuj’s post-2001 reconstruction).
• Policy Link: Smart Cities Mission & PM Awas Yojana (Urban).

**6. Waste Management & Circular Economy

• Biomethanation plants (e.g., Indore’s waste-to-energy model).
• Plastic waste recycling (e.g., Ambikapur’s road from plastic).

**7. Community Participation & Awareness

• Citizen-led initiatives (e.g., Bengaluru’s lake conservation groups).
• School programs on climate resilience (e.g., Kerala’s disaster drills).

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Case Study: Surat’s Climate Resilience

• Flood early warning system with AI-based forecasting.
• Underground water storage to prevent waterlogging.
• Public-private partnerships for resilient infrastructure.

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Challenges in Implementation

1.    Funding constraints for green projects.

2.    Weak enforcement of building bylaws.

3.    Lack of coordination between agencies.

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Way Forward

• Integrate climate resilience in urban master plans.
• Leverage global funds (Green Climate Fund, World Bank).
• Adopt IPCC-recommended urban adaptation strategies.

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Conclusion

Indian cities must shift from reactive disaster management to proactive climate resilience. By combining policy reforms, green tech, and community engagement, they can mitigate climate risks while ensuring sustainable growth.

"Resilient cities don’t just survive climate change—they thrive despite it."

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