Nearly 50% of India’s Public Infrastructure Lacks Disaster Preparedness: CBRE Survey

Experts Call for Smart Facilities Management and Innovative Risk Strategies

New Delhi / September 18, 2024: Nearly 50% of public infrastructure in India lacks adequate disaster planning and management, according to a recent survey on risk management of select large infrastructure assets. As India faces an increasing number of natural and man-made disasters, this gap poses risks to the economy, population, and sustainable development. The situation is worsened by factors such as demographic changes, unplanned urbanization, development in high-risk areas, environmental degradation, climate change, and geological hazards. These challenges were discussed at the Infrastructure Management Conference 2024, co-hosted by CBRE and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi, with a theme of “Building a Sustainable and Resilient Future,” CBRE South Asia Pvt. Ltd said in a press statement. 

The increasing frequency and severity of disasters are having a significant impact on India, with floods, extreme temperatures, and cyclones becoming more common, leading to extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of life, and disruption of livelihoods. Additionally, the country faces growing man-made risks, including industrial accidents, cyberattacks, and public health emergencies. This highlights the need for a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure management, with Smart Facilities Management playing a key role in mitigating these risks and building resilience, the statement added. 

At the recent conference, experts shared insights on how Smart Facilities Management can help prevent equipment failures, reduce downtime, and optimize resource allocation by leveraging advanced technologies such as IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and machine learning algorithms. These innovations enhance the performance of real estate assets and contribute to better risk management. Regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades were emphasized as essential practices for identifying vulnerabilities, reducing damage, and ensuring the longevity of critical public infrastructure.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO – India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, ” Inadequate risk management is a primary cause of the issues we see in infrastructure projects. This leads to direct financial losses, hindered GDP growth, and negative impacts on reputation and society. While India is progressing towards its next growth mile, backed by a resilient economy and tremendous infrastructural development, it is extremely crucial to take a proactive stance to unlock a future that is sustainable. As infrastructure will continue to be the key growth driver, it is imperative to adopt practices that are innovative, agile, and futuristic. A clear roadmap that takes us towards this goal with precision and swiftness. This also brings to the fore the importance of robust infrastructure management practices and the crucial role facilities management plays in building a sustainable and resilient future.”

Rajesh Pandit, Managing Director, Global Workplace Solutions, India & Property Management, India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa, CBRE, said, “As India continues to face growing challenges, it is imperative to invest in disaster preparedness and resilience. By adopting innovative approaches and prioritizing risk management, we can protect the population, safeguard the economy, and build a more sustainable future. With a focus on sustainability and disaster preparedness, we are now delivering tailored solutions that meet current unique infrastructure management needs. We have experts to ensure public infrastructure operates smoothly and efficiently. From routine maintenance to strategic planning, we create environments that maximize asset value. With continued efforts and adopting innovative practices, we can move beyond traditional infrastructure management practices and create an absolutely future-ready foundation.”