2018 Reports

Surat: The Value of Ad-Hoc Cross-Government Bodies

Pastor, Manuel

Surat faces recurrent floods exacerbated by rapid urban growth, climate change, and transboundary dam management. This case study highlights the establishment of ad-hoc cross-government bodies, the City Advisory Committee (CAC) and Surat Climate Change Trust (SCCT), to improve coordination among multiple stakeholders. These bodies facilitated data sharing, joint decision-making, and the creation of an end-to-end early warning system, extending lead times for flood response and reducing flood impacts. The Surat experience demonstrates the value of collaborative governance structures in enhancing urban resilience to climate-related hazards.