Within the framework of the IUC programme and in cooperation with the 100 Resilient Cities initiative, a delegation of five Rotterdam City representatives led by Mr. Arnoud Molenaar, Chief Resilience Officer, and Mr. Henk Ketelaars from the Rotterdam drinking water company Evides, visited the City of Surat (India) from 11 - 15 March. The Dutch delegation shared best practices on water and climate resilience and learned about the latest developments in the Indian city. The five-day programme is a follow up to the visit of a delegation from Surat to Rotterdam in July 2018.

The visit focused on storm water management and applying innovative concepts, such as water plazas and the use of ‘blue roofscapes’, as well as water quality monitoring and water treatment. As part of their IUC cooperation, the two cities are working together on a specific action plan on water management.

M. Thennarasan, Honourable Municipal Commissioner of Surat, said: “We welcome the Rotterdam delegation to Surat and are happy to participate in this European Union exchange programme. Our city has taken a number of effective initiatives in the fields of urban development and we are ready to share this experience and also adopt new initiatives, especially on water management.”

Dr. J. Patel, Honourable Mayor of Surat, stated: “We look forward to collaborating with Rotterdam and implementing some best practices for a joint beneficial outcome. City to city cooperation on urban issues can lead to a more sustainable world in line with international frameworks.”

Mr. A. Molenaar, Chief Resilience Officer of the City of Rotterdam, said: “Our initial interactions and discussions with Surat a few months ago set the context for a long lasting relationship. As part of this visit we are now focusing on more specific collaboration possibilities, especially on water and climate resilience. As part of the EU’s IUC programme, we are looking forward to a productive cooperation and exchange of ideas to the benefit of both cities.”

Since December 2018, six visits have taken place between Indian and European Union cities as part of the IUC programme.