85% of Indian Districts at High Risk of Climate Extremes

A significant number of Indian districts are vulnerable to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, cyclones, or heat waves. ESRI India and IPE-Global's report launched a tool to help local authorities manage these threats. A hyper-granular risk assessment approach and the establishment of Climate Risk Observatories and Infrastructure Climate Funds were recommended.

Over 85% of Indian districts face the threat of major climate events like floods, droughts, cyclones, or heat waves, necessitating an upgrade in existing infrastructure to manage these risks, a report by GIS software firm ESRI India and IPE-Global revealed on Friday. The organizations launched a tool to support local authorities in mitigating the impacts, particularly floods.

"85% of Indian districts are subject to at least one extreme weather pattern, including floods, droughts, cyclones, and heat waves. Cities must adapt their infrastructures to better manage climate changes and minimize urban flooding," stated ESRI India Managing Director Agendra Kumar at the report's launch. The report highlighted that over 60% of districts in states like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha experience more than one extreme climate event.

Agendra Kumar emphasized a notable trend where 45% of Indian districts are switching from being flood-prone to drought-prone and vice versa, with combined hazards becoming common. The study noted districts like Srikakulam, Cuttack, and Rajkot are showcasing these trends. Southern states are seeing significant increases in drought conditions, and districts like Bengaluru Urban and Pune are showing maximum swapping trends.

The report, authored by IPE-Global's Climate Change and Sustainability Head Abinash Mohanty, linked the drastic climate extremes impacting 9 out of 10 Indians to a 0.6°C temperature rise over the last century. He noted, "More than 1.47 billion Indians could face extreme climate conditions by 2036." He advocated for hyper-granular risk assessments, climate-risk observatories, and infrastructure climate funds to protect sensitive sectors like agriculture and industry.

(With inputs from agencies.)