Rising Sea Levels Put Kolkata and Mumbai at Greater Risk
The United Nations has warned that rising sea levels could threaten major South Asian cities, with Kolkata and Mumbai facing growing risks from flooding, displacement and climate change.
Rising sea levels are emerging as a serious threat for coastal cities across South Asia, with Kolkata and Mumbai among the Indian cities facing increasing risks, according to a United Nations report.
The report warned that more than 14 million people across South Asia could eventually be forced from their homes if rising seas permanently affect populated coastal areas. Kolkata, Mumbai and Dhaka are among the cities expected to face increasing pressure as sea levels continue to climb.
Climate change is driving the rise. Global warming is causing glaciers and ice sheets to lose mass, while warmer ocean water is also contributing to higher sea levels. The UN report said sea levels rose by nearly 6 millimetres during 2024, marking the highest annual increase recorded so far.
The concern extends well beyond the immediate risk of flooding. UN Assistant Secretary General Naveed Hanif said rising seas could affect public health, food security and human rights, while also threatening cultural heritage, ancestral lands and the identity of communities living in vulnerable areas.
Governments have been urged to factor these risks into long term development and infrastructure planning. The report estimates that nearly 770 million people worldwide live less than five metres above sea level, leaving them particularly exposed to future changes.
Infrastructure is also at stake. The UN estimates that assets worth at least 1.8 trillion dollars could face risks linked to rising sea levels, adding pressure on governments to strengthen coastal protection and disaster preparedness.
The report also highlighted concerns over the rapid melting of Himalayan glaciers. Hanif warned that South Asia could face a greater risk of severe flooding over the next 15 to 20 years. Beyond that period, changing water availability could contribute to drought, crop losses and growing pressure on food security.
The warning underlines the need for cities such as Kolkata and Mumbai to prepare early, as the effects of sea level rise could extend from physical infrastructure to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people.
