Climate change is no longer a distant or debatable issue. Its impacts are already visible across India—extreme heatwaves in the north, untimely and excessive rainfall in the south, frequent cloudbursts in hilly regions, and increasingly erratic monsoon patterns. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute, nearly 9 crore Indians could be at risk of starvation by 2030 due to climate change impacts. Even if a fraction of this projection materializes, the consequences would be severe, making immediate action imperative.
India’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades has significantly improved income levels and accelerated urbanization. However, largely unplanned urban expansion has placed enormous pressure on natural resources, reduced green cover, and increased pollution. Rising disposable incomes have driven higher consumption, while vehicle ownership has increased sharply—from about 50 vehicles per 1,000 people in 2001 to 225 in 2019 (Ministry of Road Transport & Highways)—leading to worsening air quality and emissions.
While economic growth and urbanization are essential, their environmental impacts cannot be ignored. Efficient urban planning offers one of the most effective tools to mitigate climate change without compromising development. This does not require radical interventions, but thoughtful, sustainable planning choices.
Public Transport-Centric Development
A robust public transport system can significantly reduce vehicular emissions by replacing hundreds of private vehicles. However, many urban and peri-urban areas—especially in smaller towns—have grown without reserving space for public transport. Profit-driven, plot-based developments often result in dense colonies where retrofitting transport infrastructure becomes impossible, forcing residents to rely on private vehicles. Urban planners must enforce regulations that mandate public transport provisions and last-mile connectivity in all new developments.
Blue and Green Infrastructure
Water scarcity and rising urban temperatures are direct consequences of shrinking green cover and excessive concretization. In some Indian cities, per capita green space is as low as 0.5 sq m, far below the WHO-recommended 50 sq m. Integrating parks, plantations, and open spaces into urban layouts helps reduce pollution, lower temperatures through transpiration, support groundwater recharge, and prevent soil erosion.
Blue infrastructure—such as lakes, wetlands, and stormwater storage systems—plays an equally critical role. It enables rainwater harvesting, groundwater replenishment, and reduced dependence on energy-intensive potable water supply systems. Together, blue and green infrastructure improve environmental resilience while enhancing urban livability and aesthetics.
Harnessing Alternative Energy
Incorporating renewable energy within city limits can significantly cut carbon emissions. While fully renewable-powered cities may not yet be feasible, even partial adoption can make a substantial difference. Using GIS, GPS, and remote sensing, planners can identify optimal locations for solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable installations. With 7–8 months of high-intensity sunlight in many Indian states, solar energy represents a largely underutilized urban resource.
Water Treatment and Recycling
Cities generate millions of litres of wastewater daily, much of which remains untreated due to overburdened centralized STPs. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems can improve efficiency and enable reuse for domestic, industrial, and landscaping purposes. Treated water can also be stored in blue infrastructure for dry seasons, making water recycling a powerful tool in climate adaptation.
Climate change is not a future threat—it is a present reality. Addressing it requires coordinated action from governments, businesses, and citizens. As India develops over 100 smart cities, environmental sustainability must remain a central objective. Citizens must demand responsible development, and corporates must support sustainable urban infrastructure through investment and innovation. Efficient urban planning can ensure that India’s cities grow not only larger, but smarter, greener, and more resilient.