Mumbai, India’s financial hub, is proactively upgrading its disaster preparedness to support a massive daytime population that swells to nearly 20 million people. With millions commuting into the city daily, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is under constant pressure to maintain infrastructure and emergency systems capable of handling this influx. During a recent briefing for an international delegation of journalists, city officials detailed how they are integrating advanced early-warning systems and multi-hazard risk assessments, developed in collaboration with the UNDP, to better anticipate and respond to potential crises.

Beyond immediate emergency protocols, the city is heavily investing in long-term climate resilience. This includes major projects to overhaul stormwater drainage networks to mitigate flood risks and the implementation of the Mumbai Climate Action Plan, which commits the city to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. By focusing on sustainable public transport, such as electric buses, and fostering stronger environmental policies, the BMC aims to safeguard Mumbai’s economic future against the growing threats posed by climate change.