Geophysics for Sub-surface Characterization of Contaminated Sites

Er. N.K. Verma is a distinguished professional with a rich background in environmental engineering and pollution control. He holds a Master's degree in Civil Engineering (specializing in Public Health Engineering) from the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee) in 1974, as well as a Master's in Environmental Science and Technology from the Institute of Hydraulics and Environment (IHE), Delft, The Netherlands in 1981.

Verma's career spans several decades, beginning with his role as a Research Fellow and Scientist at the Central Building Research Institute in Roorkee (1974–1977). He then moved to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Delhi, where he worked for nearly three decades (1977–2006) and retired as Additional Director. Following his tenure at CPCB, he served as the CEO of UPL Environmental Engineering Ltd. from 2007 to 2011. Er.Verma has made outstanding contribution in Hazardous waste management in the country.

Professor, IIT Madras

Dr. Elango Lakshmanan, a distinguished hydrogeologist with over 38 years of experience, previously served as a Professor and Head of the Geology Department at Anna University, Chennai. He completed his postdoctoral research at the University of Birmingham and trained at prestigious institutes worldwide. He has led nine international and 25 national research projects funded by organizations like the European Commission, DST, and UGC. As Vice President of IAHS (2013–2019) and Co- President of its Water Quality Commission, he has significantly contributed to hydrological sciences. He has mentored 33 PhD scholars, secured major research grants, and completed over 39 industrial consultancy projects. Dr. Lakshmanan has also traveled extensively for academic collaborations and serves on editorial boards of leading journals.

Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEERI

Dr. Paras Ranjan Pujari has 25 years of professional experience as a Research Scientist at CSIR-NEERI, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. He has demonstrated leadership in establishing a state-of-the-art Hydrogeology and Geophysical laboratory, contributing to the development of long-term monitoring of Critical Zone Processes at the Narkhed-Pandhurna Critical Zone Observatory in Central India. He has led 4 nos of international projects and completed 40 projects supported by the Ministries and Industries. His research has significantly impacted society, industries, and regulatory bodies. As an expert member of the regulatory board of the Gujarat Pollution Control Board and various NGT committees, Dr. Pujari has played a crucial role in facilitating policy decisions on groundwater management, remediation, and fly ash management for coal-based power plants.