Narayana Murthy Warns: Climate Change May Drive Mass Migration to Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad
Infosys Co-Founder Narayana Murthy has raised concerns over the impact of climate change in India, warning of mass migration to urban hubs like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad in the coming decades. Speaking at an event in Pune on Friday, Murthy highlighted how rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns could make rural areas uninhabitable within 20-25 years.
Murthy predicted a large-scale rural-to-urban migration. “Millions may migrate into habitable places like Bangalore, Pune, and Hyderabad,” he said. However, he pointed out that these cities already face challenges, including pollution, traffic, and overburdened infrastructure. “These cities are becoming unlivable, difficult to navigate, and plagued by rising pollution,” he warned.
See the video here
He stressed the need for urgent collaboration among corporates, politicians, and bureaucrats to address climate change. Without action, India’s urban centres may not be able to handle the added pressure of migration, further straining resources and infrastructure.
Murthy acknowledged India’s tendency to react to the crisis but expressed optimism about the future. He believed India could make significant progress in meeting climate targets by 2030. “I am optimistic that we will find solutions with timely intervention and cooperation,” he added.
India’s rapid urbanization has already stretched cities to their limits. With climate-induced migration looming, challenges like infrastructure shortages and resource strain could worsen. Murthy’s call for action highlights the urgency of addressing these issues before they spiral out of control.
The event highlights the growing need for sustainable urban planning and climate resilience as India faces the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change.