Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Blogspublications
References
Software
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

FARAZ AHMAD

Hydrogeologist and Environmentalist
New Delhi
FARAZ AHMAD

Summary

Accomplished Hydro-geologist and Environmentalist with a Master's degree in Applied Geology and over 10 years of extensive experience in the field of water resource management and sustainability. Expert in Water Resource Development and Management, Watershed Management, and Integrated Watershed Development. Proven track record in Groundwater Management and Development, CSR Water and Livelihood initiatives, and fostering Agriculture-Livelihood-Water Connect.

Highly skilled in promoting Water Resilience for communities and farmers, implementing integrated wastewater and septage management, and advancing circular economy principles. Experienced in conducting training and capacity-building programs, engaging in policy advocacy, and performing in-depth research. Dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that enhance water security and livelihood opportunities for diverse populations.

Overview

12
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education

Work History

CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT

DEPUTY PROGRAMME MANAGER
10.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • As Deputy Program Manager at Centre for Science and Environment, role is defined by dynamic blend of responsibilities, each contributing to advancement of water and wastewater management.
  • Spearheading research, policy advocacy and strategic planning on water resource management and source sustainability, integrated wastewater and septage management and circular economy, climate change and adaptation for urban and rural geographies.
  • Other key areas of focus include: Executing training, capacity-building and knowledge exchange program by developing modules such as Groundwater management and augmentation, Rainwater harvesting systems, Application of GIS and Remote sensing for source sustainability, Greywater management, Reuse of treated used water and circular economy to name few.
  • Working on developing tools, advocacy, guidelines for on ground implementation and sustainability of various Centre and state government initiatives such as National Mission for Clean Ganga, Jal Jeevan Mission, AMRUT.
  • Execution of over 20 residential training sessions and exposure visits for 400+ governments, non-government, and international officials on topics including groundwater management, rural water supply, watershed development, wastewater reuse, safe drinking water technologies, and application of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System in water management
  • Developing and conducting online courses, webinars, workshops, and symposiums for national and international participants
  • Contributing to over 10 research projects and publishing blogs and publications.

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY

ASSOCIATE COUNSELLOR
09.2015 - 09.2021

Job overview

  • As Associate Counsellor at Confederation of Indian Industry was marked by significant achievements in project management, proposal drafting, marketing, and client deliverables
  • Highlights of responsibilities include: Leading project design and management, proposal creation, service marketing, site supervision, team coordination, vendor management, and financial oversight
  • Successfully delivering large-scale projects focused on nexus of agriculture, livelihoods, and surface and groundwater managements, lake rejuvenation spanning over 10 states and 50+ districts across India
  • Addressing water-related challenges by groundwater management strategies, implementing demand and supply-side interventions, promoting climate-smart water resource management, and building water resilience for communities and farmers
  • Facilitating behavioral changes among farmers and promoting crop diversification through activities like sericulture, poly houses, soil mulching, and micro-irrigation
  • Contributing to projects aimed at prioritizing CSR investments and industrial water management through surveys and assessments
  • Representing impactful project outcomes and best practices in national seminars and conferences, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among corporate partners
  • Earning accolades for project excellence from prestigious national and international clients such as Standard Chartered Bank, Adani Foundation, Tata Steel, ITC Limited, and others, as well as state government initiatives like Mukhyamantri Jal Swalamban Abhiyan, Village Social Transformation Mission, and Jalayukt Shivar Abhiyan.

WAPCOS LIMITED (Government of India Undertaking)

GEOLOGIST
10.2012 - 05.2014

Job overview

  • During tenure at WAPCOS Limited, contributed to critical government initiatives related to aquifer mapping and groundwater management.
  • Responsibilities included: Conducting hydrogeological surveys, aquifer performance tests, and recharge assessments for more than 70 villages in Bundelkhand and Delhi-NCR regions as part of National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program.
  • Designing wells, preparing detailed aquifer maps, and estimating groundwater resources to support sustainable management
  • Providing valuable insights through analysis and interpretation of tests, contributing to groundwater resource estimation and management plans.

WATERS PVT LTD JAIPUR

GEOLOGIST
02.2012 - 09.2012

Job overview

  • In role at Waters Pvt Ltd Jaipur, I contributed to groundwater development and management projects in Rajasthan
  • Responsibilities included field studies, surveys, report preparation, and client deliverables.

Education

Aligarh Muslim University
Uttar Pradesh

Master of Science from Applied Geology
08.2009 - 05.2011

University Overview

Aligarh Muslim University
Uttar Pradesh

Bachelor of Science from Geology
08.2006 - 05.2009

University Overview

Skills

Water Resource Development And Management

Blogspublications

Blogspublications
  • Big Change is Possible, https://csestore.cse.org.in/default/big-change-is-possible.html
  • Managing Groundwater Sustainably in Rural Areas- A Toolkit, https://www.cseindia.org/managing-groundwater-sustainably-in-rural-areas-11801
  • How a state mission brought clean water to every household in villages with supply crisis, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/how-a-state-mission-brought-clean-water-to-every-household-in-villages-with-supply-crisis-81388
  • Community-driven management systems offer new options to these semi-arid Gujarat villages, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/community-driven-management-systems-offer-new-options-to-these-semi-arid-gujarat-villages-86425
  • World Water Day 2023: Dharwad revived traditional ponds to recharge its groundwater, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/water/world-water-day-2023-dharwad-revived-traditional-ponds-to-recharge-its-groundwater-88377
  • How Uttar Pradesh is moving towards water sustainability, https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/water/how-uttar-pradesh-is-moving-towards-water-sustainability-89979

References

References
Can be provided on request.

Software

Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel PowerPoint, Power BI

GIS/QGIS

Basic Modflow, Aqtesolv, Strater

APT, Recharge/Slug test, Resistivity survey

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Hindi
Intermediate (B1)
Urdu
Intermediate (B1)

Timeline

DEPUTY PROGRAMME MANAGER
CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT
10.2021 - Current
ASSOCIATE COUNSELLOR
CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRY
09.2015 - 09.2021
GEOLOGIST
WAPCOS LIMITED (Government of India Undertaking)
10.2012 - 05.2014
GEOLOGIST
WATERS PVT LTD JAIPUR
02.2012 - 09.2012
Aligarh Muslim University
Master of Science from Applied Geology
08.2009 - 05.2011
Aligarh Muslim University
Bachelor of Science from Geology
08.2006 - 05.2009
FARAZ AHMADHydrogeologist and Environmentalist