World Bank Warns Indian Cities to Generate 70% of Jobs by 2030 but Face USD 5 Billion Annual Flood Losses.
International
A new World Bank report, co-authored with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, states that by 2030, Indian cities will create 70% of new jobs, but without adaptation measures, urban floods could inflict annual losses of up to USD 5 billion, posing a major climate risk to urban economies.
- India’s urban population is projected to nearly double from 480 million in 2020 to 951 million by 2050, requiring massive intervention in housing, transport, water, and sanitation infrastructure to handle this growth sustainably.
- The World Bank projects that 70% of new job creation by 2030 will happen in urban areas, highlighting cities as engines of economic growth; however, unplanned expansion of concrete surfaces intensifies pluvial flooding risks.
- The report warns annual flood-related damages could reach USD 5 billion by 2030, rising to USD 30 billion by 2070, unless cities invest in adaptation strategies such as early warning systems, urban greening, and resilient drainage infrastructure.
Main Point :- (i) To build resilience, Indian cities need an estimated USD 2.4 trillion by 2050, increasing to USD 10.9 trillion by 2070 under moderate urbanisation; this will require coordinated efforts across central, state, and urban local bodies (ULBs), with enhanced private sector financing.
(ii) The report highlights that greater autonomy for ULBs—under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act—has enabled some cities to mobilize resources, monetise assets, and improve governance, indicating that enhanced local empowerment may reduce vulnerability to climate shocks.
(iii) By 2030, with rapid urbanisation and rising climate stress, Indian cities face a dual mandate: foster job-centric economic development while implementing robust flood adaptation systems. This includes adopting cool roofs, early warning systems, and mangrove restoration to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and future growth.
About World Bank
CFO: Anshula Kant
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
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