Breathing on Borrowed Time: Delhi’s Climate Reckoning

Delhi stands at a pivotal moment in its urban journey. As the city continues to grow in population and economic significance, it also faces a growing set of environmental challenges that cannot be overlooked. Recent studies and climate assessments have shed light on both the scale of these issues and the urgent need for more coordinated, sustainable urban planning.

Air pollution remains one of Delhi’s most visible environmental concerns. According to recent data, pollution levels frequently exceed the World Health Organization’s safety limits, affecting both public health and quality of life. Long-term exposure has been linked to reduced life expectancy and rising incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. While measures such as the expansion of electric vehicles, stricter industrial emission norms, and seasonal traffic regulations have been introduced, sustained efforts are needed to bring air quality within safe levels year-round.

Waste management poses another major challenge for the capital. With over 28 million tons of legacy waste and a rapidly growing population, the city’s existing systems often struggle to manage the volume effectively. That said, initiatives like decentralised composting, material recovery facilities, and waste-to-energy projects under the Swachh Bharat Mission are showing promise. Scaling these up and ensuring greater community participation will be key to long-term success.

Water security in Delhi is also under strain. Over 90% of the city’s drinking water is sourced from neighbouring states, leaving it vulnerable to inter-state dependencies. Additionally, unsustainable groundwater extraction and encroachments on the Yamuna floodplains increase the risk of both water shortages and urban flooding. Steps have been taken to improve rainwater harvesting and reuse treated wastewater, but enforcement and public adoption remain uneven.

Looking ahead, climate projections indicate significant warming over the coming decades—up to 2.2°C by the 2080s. These shifts are likely to bring more extreme weather events, including heatwaves and heavier rainfall, which could overwhelm existing infrastructure. Delhi has already experienced some of these effects in recent years, with flash floods and prolonged heat spells disrupting daily life and services.

Economically, the cost of climate inaction could be substantial. Estimates suggest Delhi may face climate-related losses amounting to ₹2.75 trillion by 2050 if resilience strategies are not effectively implemented. Vulnerable communities, particularly those living in unauthorized colonies and informal settlements, are likely to be most affected. These areas often lack reliable access to piped water, sewage systems, or formal waste services, making them especially exposed to environmental risks.

Programs such as the Smart Cities Mission and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) have laid the groundwork for more data-driven, climate-conscious urban development. The establishment of Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) in over 100 cities—including Delhi—demonstrates a shift toward real-time governance and responsive infrastructure planning. However, more remains to be done. Strengthening their financial autonomy and administrative capacity is critical for implementing sustainable solutions at scale. Similarly, while buildings account for a significant share of emissions and electricity use, only 10% are green-certified. This highlights an opportunity to promote environmentally responsible construction through incentives, regulations, and public-private collaboration.

Delhi must embrace a SMART climate strategy that is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound to move forward effectively. This includes restoring natural ecosystems like the Yamuna floodplains, enforcing groundwater regulations, expanding urban green spaces, and integrating climate resilience into zoning and planning decisions. Public awareness and participation must also be central to the process, as sustainable urban living ultimately depends on behavioural change at the individual and community levels.

Delhi’s climate journey is complex and evolving. While challenges are significant, they are not insurmountable. With a balanced approach that combines policy reform, technology, community engagement, and environmental stewardship, the city can pave the way for a more resilient and livable future for all its residents.

By Alpesh Maradiya, Prabodhini Fellow at Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini More about the author: Click here