India faces growing challenges from climate change and flooding

India is grappling with the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disasters, particularly flooding. Urbanization is expected to rise significantly, with World Bank estimates suggesting India’s urban population could grow from 480 million in 2020 to 951 million by 2050. This growth intensifies the tension between rapid development and environmental governance.

Policy discussions are shifting toward the need for preventive planning rather than reactive disaster spending. Key concerns include the preservation of wetlands, the management of floodplains, and whether urban infrastructure can withstand predictable environmental risks.

Culturally, the climate crisis is influencing Indian literature through the rise of ‘cli-fi’ (climate fiction). Authors are using speculative fiction to explore futures shaped by heat, ecological upheaval, and food shortages, aiming to engage the public imagination regarding the systemic links between politics, technology, and environmental disaster.