Studies and Planning Projects: Surat, India

Transforming the Tapi River

The Tapi River is the sole source of fresh drinking water available to Surat’s 5.5 million residents. Over the years, various factors have led to the deterioration of the Tapi River. A combination of untreated sewage from upstream settlements and pollution generated by industrial units within the tidal creek zone of the Tapi River has led to increased biological oxygen demand levels in the river system. Industrial waste has negatively impacted the river’s health and severely affected the nearby Mindhola River. If no action is taken to remedy these conditions, worsening water siltation and the growing prevalence of untreated effluents will continue to impact water quality. Comprehensive environmental management of the Tapi River, coupled with a major public engagement process, is needed to create a clean, sustainable river.

As part of Resilient Surat Strategy & recently held global resilience academy, the city has prioritized cleaning the Tapi River. This project will transform Surtis’ relationship with their primary body of water. Resulting benefits will include the long-term provision of clean drinking water for millions of citizens, enhanced potential for recreational areas along the river, the restoration of ecosystems in the river’s buffer areas, and improvements to the river’s accessibility. Project components will include improvements to the sewage infrastructure system including capturing sewage before it enters the river within the city and at upstream locations; setting up a comprehensive water quality monitoring and analysis system; and, physical interventions to provide public assess and recreational opportunities on both banks of the river.

Investment/Partnership Opportunity:

Surat City has recently partnered with the City of Rotterdam as part of European Union International Urban Cooperation program. Experts from Rotterdam will be helping Surat review and improve the Tapi River plan with a view to creating a mid-term development plan. Based on this study, Surat will be seeking technical advisory in water sanitation, real-time water monitoring and, wastewater management. Surat will also be seeking financial advisory to support the prefeasibility study and is open to co-investment.

Contact:

Chief Resilience Officer Kamlesh Yagnik
cro@100rc-surat.in