Figure 36: Fire from blust in ONGC port

5.9.4 Sea level rise in Surat-the recent IPCC report

Industrial development is necessary for any city’s economic success, but the environment must pay a high price for the negative externalities of industries. There is no exception in the case of Hazira. It is a large port located 25 kilometers from Surat’s main city. It is noted for having India’s largest liquefied natural gas terminal, with a 5-milliontonne annual capacity. Hazira is a multi-cargo port in essence. Industries like ONGC, Kribhco, NTPC, Reliance, and port facilities such as Adani, Essar bulk terminal, Shell, and Gujarat Maritime Board’s Magdalla Port are all located here. It also includes

According to the IPCC study, a 0.5 metre rise in sea level is enough to drown coastal communities. According to the analysis, if global temperature rise is limited to 2 degrees Celsius, sea-level rise will be between 30 and 60 centimetres. However, if nothing is done to lower global temperatures, the sea level will rise by up to 11 metres. The report has issued a warning to 45 major cities, including Indian cities such as Mumbai, Surat, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Figure 36 Fire from blust in ONGC port jetties like Kribhco, L&T, and Ultratech, among many others. Due to waste burning and frequent blasts, these enterprises create significant environmental damage. They also release toxic effluents into the Tapi River and the Arabian Sea, polluting the water. Furthermore, it has a negative impact on coastal ecology and wetlands, as well as causing salt water extrusion. The Gujarat Pollution Control Board takes frequent actions and initiatives to curb these dangerous practices in this special economic zone, although their success is debatable.

Surat is extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise due to its location on the Arabian Sea’s shore. This puts the lives of coastal residents in jeopardy. Surat’s beach development potential will be harmed by rising sea levels, which will have a negative impact on the city’s tourism value. As a result, the city must keep a close check on the CRZ development regulations and improve the infrastructure along the coastline.

Source: Google

In order to comprehend the challenges faced by Surat city and their direct and indirect impact on climate change, 5 aspects have been identified such as demography, infrastructure, socioeconomy, environment and governance. This

Table 12 aspects are further divided into 18 indicators and challenges in their subsequent sectors. Finally the research tries to connect their relationship with climate change.

Challenges in Surat

Source: Analysis done by author