Narayana Murthy warns of climate-induced migration to key Indian cities

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has cautioned against potential mass migration to Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad due to climate change rendering some regions uninhabitable. Speaking at an event in Pune on Friday, he highlighted the urgency of addressing environmental challenges to prevent this scenario.

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Murthy pointed out that rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns could make parts of India and Africa uninhabitable in the next 20-25 years. This, he warned, might drive large-scale migration to cities like Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad, which are already grappling with issues such as traffic congestion and pollution.

“These cities are difficult to live in as it is. We must ensure that such migration doesn’t happen,” he emphasized, calling for collaboration among the corporate sector, politicians, and bureaucrats.

Despite acknowledging India’s tendency to tackle issues at the last minute, Murthy expressed confidence in achieving significant progress by 2030. “The corporate world, along with policymakers, has the ability to address this challenge effectively,” he said.

Murthy’s remarks underscore the critical need for proactive measures to mitigate climate impacts and enhance urban sustainability, especially in vulnerable regions. His call for a united effort highlights the importance of long-term planning in safeguarding cities and communities from future crises.