Cities key to India's post-pandemic growth: WEF study PTI Updated : Jan 10, 2021, 12:52 pm IST The study by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum (WEF) said the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for cities Among other recommendations, the report underscores the critical role data can play in helping cities manage and direct emergency operations during a crisis. (Representational image) New Delhi: Cities have borne the maximum brunt of the COVID-19 outbreak but they will also be key to India's post-pandemic growth as they account for nearly 70 per cent of the country's GDP and an average of 25-30 people migrate to cities from rural areas every single minute, a new study has shown.