India faces challenges in climate adaptation and urban readiness

India faces significant challenges in transitioning from climate planning to effective implementation and measurable outcomes. While national frameworks and technical assistance programs have strengthened institutional capacity, urban climate readiness remains low. Data from the ClimateSmart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) showed an average readiness score of only 34% across 226 cities in 2022.

Experts argue that climate adaptation requires mandatory response rules and measurable triggers to ensure early action. Currently, preventive measures often rely on administrative discretion rather than binding protocols. For example, in Mumbai, water conservation measures were implemented based on individual decisions rather than a published rule linking rainfall forecasts and reservoir levels to specific actions. Similarly, in Assam, heavy rainfall and flooding caused significant loss of life and cropland damage, highlighting the need for better integration of scientific information into administrative systems.

To improve resilience, recommendations include establishing a transparent national platform to track climate projects and investments, conducting annual readiness assessments, and integrating climate resilience directly into urban infrastructure investments.