Preet Kalpeshbhai Patel

UP4051

This Directed Research Project investigates the impact of urbanisation on biodiversity within the rapidly growing city of Surat, Gujarat. As urban expansion accelerates, ecological habitats such as wetlands, mangroves, and bird sanctuaries face degradation, leading to biodiversity loss and reduced climate resilience. Through spatial analysis, field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and policy reviews, the study identifies key drivers of habitat destruction including land-use change, industrial pollution, and regulatory gaps. Global case studies from Coimbatore, Mumbai, Singapore, and Shenzhen are referenced to derive best practices in biodiversity conservation within urban settings. The project offers policy recommendations for integrating biodiversity zones, incentivized conservation mechanisms, and climate-adaptive urban planning tools to strengthen Surat’s ecological resilience amid continued urban growth.