Summaries by Amit Kapoor, Sheen Zutshi

Assam's devastating floods reveal critical policy mismatches in India's climate risk management. Despite increased disaster finance, structural weaknesses and vulnerable infrastructure persist. Climate risk is basin-based, yet governance and funding are fractured by administrative boundaries. India's Finance Commission prioritizes historical expenditure, failing to anticipate emerging climate geographies and vulnerabilities effectively. The authors urge immediate forward-looking climate risk criteria in budgets, emphasizing proactive mitigation over recurring relief. This aims to prevent tragedies and foster strategic development.