Narayana Murthy predicts climate change-induced migration to Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has raised an alarm about the potential consequences of climate change on India's urban and rural landscapes.

Speaking at an award ceremony in Pune on Dec 20, he highlighted the risk of mass migration to cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, as rising temperatures and extreme weather render rural areas uninhabitable over the next two decades.

“What is likely to happen is that there will be a mass migration from rural parts of states... into habitable places like Bangalore, maybe Pune, maybe Hyderabad,” Murthy said.

He expressed concern that urban centers already grappling with pollution, traffic congestion, and other challenges may become "unlivable" as they face the added strain of accommodating large numbers of climate migrants.

Murthy painted a grim picture of the state of India's major cities, emphasizing that they are ill-equipped to handle the impending crisis. "These cities have become extremely challenging to live in, difficult to navigate, and have witnessed rising pollution levels," he remarked.

Murthy called for urgent action to address the root causes of migration by building climate resilience in rural areas and improving urban infrastructure.

To avert a looming urban crisis, Murthy urged cooperation among India's corporate sector, political leaders, and bureaucrats. “We in India, particularly the corporate sector, have to cooperate with politicians and bureaucrats and ensure that there is no mass migration,” he stated, as reported by The Economic Times.

He stressed that collaborative action is essential to prevent urban centers from becoming overwhelmed and to create sustainable solutions for rural and urban development.

Despite his warnings, Murthy expressed confidence in India's ability to address the challenges posed by climate change. While acknowledging the country’s reactive approach to problem-solving, he was optimistic about progress in meeting climate goals and mitigating migration issues by 2030.

"I am optimistic that we will make progress by 2030," he reassured the audience, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention and collective efforts.

India’s rapid urbanization and growing population have already stretched cities to their limits. The predicted wave of climate-driven migration could exacerbate shortages in infrastructure, housing, and resources, intensifying the need for strategic planning and robust policy interventions.