severe rainfall events Climate ChaNGe imPaCts

CASE STUDY: SURAT ACCCRN India: Synthesis Report – Volume II 30 31 and higher affordability has led to people preferring air conditioning system instead of natural ventilation. Such change in lifestyle combined with changes in temperature would eventually lead to increased energy consumption. Further, any increase in summer maximum temperature April May period is also a matter of concern with respect to health. Since, the humidity levels are quite high in this coastal city, an additional increase in temperature may lead to health problems. The increase in minimum temperature, especially during the winter months, will also lead to increased survivability of disease causing insect vectors and pathogens.

4.6.4 water demand and resources

Surat city depends on Tapi for meeting most of its water demand. Surat Municipal Corporation prepared a long- term Master Plan in the year 1995 for Water Supply Scheme of Surat city for an area of 112 sq.km before expansion. The new master plan including the expanded area under the SMC is being prepared. The SMC has only 700 MLD of allocation from Ukai reservoir. Droughts and late onset of monsoon are already creating stress on Surat’s water supply system during peak summers. Under both the high economic growth scenario, the population growth is expected to grow signiicantly. For meeting the demand of future population of 7.5 million plus in 2025 as well as meeting industrial and energy generation needs, the current allocation from Ukai dam is insuficient. This situation may increase the competition over limited resources currently allocated for irrigation and power generation. Water scarcity will become an issue, unless major changes in cross sector allocation Ukai dam water resources takes place. The climate models have indicated minor increase in annual precipitation along with reduction of rainy days as well as increase in extreme events including droughts and heavy rainfall in the catchment. Considering already increasing conlicting and competing demands for Ukai water storage, the water scarcity can become a reality in this city. With the sea level rise, the aquifers are likely to face increase in