Need for Resilience in India

Sustainable and inclusive urban growth are essential in revealing the true benefits of India’s urbanization Along with being an economic driver, cities have the opportunity to provide residents with a better quality of life with access to better service provision and infrastructure. However, without smart growth and effective planning efforts, the economic, social and environmental costs are consequential. Studies show that poor planning and urban management are expected to cost Indian cities somewhere between $2.6 and $13 billion annually. Furthermore, trends like climate change will cost the Indian economy $1.178 trillion by 2050 if emissions continue at their current rates.

Currently, Indian cities are underprepared for future urbanization prospects. The increasing pace of urbanization and associated challenges are aggravating the vulnerability of cities to shocks and stresses and there is a growing need to embed resilience at the heart of urban discourse. Urban policies and decisions taken today will have direct impacts on a city’s ability to improve governance and manage urbanization. As cities grow, urban governance and planning systems must be strengthened to ensure cities reach their maximum potential.