Could climate change unleash chaos in Bengaluru? Narayana Murthy’s warning raises eyebrows

In a recent address at an event in Pune, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy raised a critical warning about the potential impacts of climate change in India , particularly the threat of mass migration to major cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Murthy highlighted that certain rural regions of India may become uninhabitable in the next 20-25 years due to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns. This could lead to millions migrating to urban hubs, which are already struggling with issues such as pollution and overpopulation. “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, speaking at the Sustainability Crusade award ceremony organised by the J P Shroff Foundation in Pune. Challenges Facing India’s Urban Centres While acknowledging the potential for mass migration, Murthy also expressed concern about the challenges these cities are already facing. Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad are becoming increasingly difficult to live in due to rising traffic congestion and pollution, making them less attractive destinations despite their current status as economic hubs. “These cities have become extremely challenging to live in, difficult to navigate, and have witnessed rising pollution levels. They are heading toward becoming unlivable,” Murthy warned. Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Migration Crisis Murthy called for immediate collaboration between the corporate sector, politicians, and bureaucrats to tackle climate change and prevent migration from rural areas into cities. He stressed that this collaboration is crucial to ensuring India’s urban centres do not become overwhelmed by mass influxes of people, which could exacerbate the already strained infrastructure. 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That is the challenge,” Murthy said, underscoring the need for joint action. Optimism Despite Challenges Despite the challenges, Murthy expressed optimism about India’s ability to address these issues in the coming years. He noted that while India tends to react at the last minute, he was confident that by 2030, significant progress would be made in meeting climate targets and finding solutions to the potential migration crisis. “I am optimistic that we will make progress by 2030,” Murthy added, reassuring the audience that India could overcome these challenges with timely intervention and cooperation. A Call for Environmental Responsibility Murthy also called on the younger generation to take greater responsibility for the environment and society. He urged youth to focus on caring for underprivileged communities and contribute to the nation’s welfare. He stressed that true nationalism comes from actions aimed at societal betterment, not just symbolic gestures. “We must care for the underprivileged sections of society, or else we are no better than animals,” Murthy stated. “Becoming a responsible citizen and working toward the country’s betterment is true nationalism. Merely wrapping oneself in the national flag does not make one a true nationalist.” Murthy’s warnings are based on several factors that have already started to affect India’s urban spaces. For instance, metropolitan cities such as New Delhi have been grappling with some of the worst air quality in recent years, with hazardous levels of pollutants posing serious risks to respiratory health. Issues like rising temperatures and water scarcity, particularly in rural areas, further amplify the concerns of migration to already overburdened urban centres. India’s rapid urbanisation and population growth have already placed immense pressure on cities, and the added burden of migration due to climate change could worsen the situation. The Way Forward: Cooperation and Innovation In addition to urging collective action, Murthy highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing the climate crisis. He referenced advancements in technology, such as improvements in battery technologies, as potential solutions to some of the challenges posed by climate change. He pointed out that corporations like Infosys have taken a leadership role in promoting sustainability, contributing to the fight against climate change. Murthy concluded by reiterating the need for India to come together as a nation to tackle these critical issues. He called for an all-hands-on-deck approach to ensure that the nation not only meets its climate targets but also prepares adequately to handle the challenges of the coming decades. Recognition of Environmental Efforts The event also recognised the contributions of prominent environmentalist Madhav Gadgil and entrepreneur Alok Kale for their work in sustainability. Notable attendees included Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, Pradeep Bhargava, and industrialist Jamshyd Godrej, who all expressed support for Murthy’s call to action on climate change. Murthy’s remarks serve as a stark reminder that climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is an urgent issue that requires immediate action to protect India’s future. His message is clear: without intervention, the country could face significant disruptions that will challenge its urban centres and impact millions of lives. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )