Sitaram Sharnangat
Ravi Park, Hadapsar, Pune , Maharashtra
Summary
Senior development professional with 33+ years of experience in integrated watershed development, water security, soil & water conservation, climate‑resilient agriculture, and rural livelihoods across India. Proven expertise in DPR preparation, ridge‑to‑valley watershed planning, hydrological assessment, execution of water harvesting structures, and participatory governance systems. Extensive field leadership working with tribal and drought‑prone communities, government departments, CSR programs, and multilateral agencies (World Bank, UNICEF, EU). PhD in Rural Development with Diploma in Civil Engineering, and Master of Social Work bringing a strong blend of technical, social, and managerial competence suited for leading large‑scale watershed initiatives.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Officer
The Nature Conservancy
Pune , India
10.2022 - Current
- Spearheaded the partner and pilot village selection process and preparation of DPRs, focusing on nature-based solutions to address water security, soil erosion, and biodiversity conservation under the Resilient River Ghod Project.
- Facilitated participatory micro‑planning, hydrological prioritisation, and quality monitoring with six partner organisations and eleven pilot villages.
- Facilitated community mobilisation and capacity building of institutions like SHGs, farmers' groups, village-level committees, and Gram Panchayats to plan, execute, and participate in the O&M of nature-based watershed interventions.
- Coordinated training on watershed principles, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions for partner teams and village committees.
- Organised district and state-level policy consultations and documented outcomes through structured MIS, and progress reports.
- Writing a technical manual focusing on the what, why, where, and how aspects of nature-based solutions for watershed development.
- Ensuring the successful completion of the project through constant follow-up with different stakeholders before the expected deadline of the project.
- Collaborated with partners and stakeholders, and managed complaints with calm, clear communication, and a problem-solving approach.
Assistant Director, Water
Bhartiya Jain Sanghatna
Pune, Maharashtra
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Supported training programme for sarpanch to enhance participation in village development planning under MGNREGS.
- Assisted 34 sarpanch in formulating action plans and ensuring submission to relevant authorities.
- Contributed to water body rejuvenation programme across two districts in Maharashtra and two in Karnataka, backed by NITI Aayog.
Guest Faculty & CENA Consultant
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Tuljapur, Maharashtra
06.2017 - 08.2021
- Led Capacity Enhancement and Need Assessment (CENA) for PoCRA – a World Bank-supported Climate-Resilient Agriculture Project.
- Developed CENA tools, indicators, and statewide capacity-building action plans for watershed, agriculture, and livestock stakeholders.
- Facilitated FGDs, field diagnostics, and training programmes across state, district, and village levels.
- Taught courses on Water Supply, Sanitation, Water security, Source Sustainability, and Community Governance.
WASH Consultant
Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA)
Pune, Maharashtra
01.2019 - 08.2020
- Led the development of an action plan for Nasik Municipal Corporation to promote a healthy school environment, as part of the Save the Children initiative with GSK CSR support.
- Oversaw the facilitation of WASH facilities in PMC hospitals and slum toilets with UNICEF support during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Orchestrated capacity-building trainings for teams across Maharashtra districts under the Clean India: Clean School initiative supported by UNICEF.
- Conceptualised and implemented community-based tools for efficient operation and maintenance of WASH facilities in schools and public areas.
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Expert (STC)
Oxford Policy Management Ltd
New Delhi
06.2017 - 02.2019
- Identified opportunities for enhancing women's participation in projects such as climate smart soil and water conservation initiatives.
- Assisted in incorporating gender equality and social inclusion principles into various policy documents and training manuals related to climate smart soil and water conservation.
- Researched Maharashtra's state action plan on climate change to gather insights on gender equality provisions.
- Visited APMCs and farmer producer companies in Aurangabad and Buldhana districts to observe GESI-specific inputs supporting women farmers.
- Developed GESI-specific indicators for monitoring climate smart soil and water conservation measures.
Communitywide Behaviour Change Expert for WASH (STC)
World Bank Group
New Delhi
02.2016 - 06.2017
- Directed state-wide teams towards achieving open defecation free goals through community-led sanitation strategies in Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.
- Designed and implemented comprehensive training modules on participatory sanitation practices, ensuring extensive adoption in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Jharkhand.
- Led the selection and development of master trainers in community-led sanitation initiatives across 25 districts.
- Oversaw the strategic planning and facilitation of over 12,250 training days focused on sanitation and toilet construction techniques.
- Steered initiatives to enhance coverage of the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin programme.
- Strategised and executed district-specific action plans for attaining open defecation free status.
- Engaged state leadership in periodic consultations to improve monitoring protocols.
- Directed master mason trainers in the effective construction of community-approved leach pit toilets.
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
Water Supply & Sanitation Department of Punjab
, Punjab
01.2015 - 10.2015
- Supported development of master trainer teams to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) objectives in Punjab using Community Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach.
- Assisted in conducting Training Needs Analysis and planning CLTS training for master trainers across five districts in Punjab.
- Managed over 2500 training man-days for Training of Trainers on CLTS.
- Provided monitoring and handhold support to villages, contributing to making Fatehgad India's first rural ODF district.
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
CLTS Foundation
Kolkata
01.2015 - 04.2015
- Developed teams of master trainers to promote open defecation free (ODF) initiatives in Timor Leste using community led total sanitation (CLTS) approach.
- Facilitated one day orientation workshops on CLTS methodology for representatives of international development organisations in Timor Leste.
- Supported national level training of trainers (ToT) for master trainers in Timor Leste and assisted in action planning for organisations such as Australian Aid, Water Aid, UNICEF, and Plan International to achieve ODF status.
Water Expert (STC)
Maharashtra Samajeek Navnirman Academy
Pune, Maharashtra
10.2007 - 11.2014
- Led the creation of a comprehensive water blueprint for Maharashtra, guiding political leader Mr. Raj Thakre in resource development.
- Analysed water availability and management challenges across five major river basins and 25 sub-river basins, informing strategic planning for water resources.
- Spearheaded participatory action plans for watershed development in two tribal villages, enhancing local engagement and sustainability.
- Organised and delivered orientation programmes on water resources, effectively educating assembly members and elected officials of Pune Municipal Corporation from MNS.
WASH and Capacity Building Expert (STC)
IPE Global PVT. LTD.
Gurgaon
06.2012 - 09.2014
- Directed teams of master trainers to achieve open defecation free (ODF) status in Bihar through community-led total sanitation (CLTS) initiatives.
- Oversaw development of training modules focused on participatory approaches to drive community behaviour change in sanitation.
- Collaborated with various districts to accelerate rural sanitation coverage, ensuring alignment with programme objectives.
- Managed and facilitated extensive training sessions, equating to over 4000 man days, on CLTS and mason training.
- Guided the ODF process and ensured effective monitoring of NBA villages to support sustainable sanitation practices.
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
Feedback foundation
Gurgaon
09.2012 - 08.2013
- Achieved open defecation free (ODF) targets in Bihar, Rajasthan, and Karnataka through effective development of master trainer teams using community led total sanitation (CLTS) approach.
- Realised impactful training outcomes with over 5000 training man days delivered on participatory sanitation behaviours in Sitamadhi, Jehanabad, Jodhpur, Bundi, Ajmer, Latehar, Giridih, Gulbarga, and Raichur regions under World Bank-supported sanitation programme.
- Enhanced rural sanitation coverage by providing strategic support to NBA cell in key districts through targeted follow-up workshops to review progress and deliver actionable insights.
Sanitation expert and study coordinator (STC)
World Bank (WSP)
New Delhi
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Facilitated data collection efforts for global study by World Bank to assess sanitation interventions' effect on rural health outcomes.
- Supported comparative analysis of impact in Dhar and Khargone districts of Madhya Pradesh, as well as Chamba and Simla districts of Himachal Pradesh under World Bank's social marketing programme for sanitation.
- Organised orientation sessions on WASH in Ashok Nagar, Shivni, Khargone, Badwani, Jhabua, and Dhar districts to enhance sanitation intervention momentum.
Capacity Building Expert (STC)
PRIMOVE Infrastructure Development PVT LTD
Pune, Maharashtra
04.2004 - 07.2007
- Achieved successful community mobilisation and capacity building, enabling effective implementation of Jalswarajya projects in Maharashtra.
- Delivered participatory action plans for water supply and sanitation, impacting over 250 villages under sector reform programme.
- Realised 40,000 training man days through strategic facilitation of training sessions on diverse WASH topics.
Watershed Engineer
Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra (AFARM)
Pune, Maharashtra
12.1991 - 03.2004
- Built the Network and capacity of small NGOs to implement Watershed Development Programs like Indo German and DPAP to eradicate drought and hunger from different districts of Maharashtra.
- Planned, implemented & Monitored Watershed Development Program on 10,000 hectors of 30 villages in Maharashtra supported by European Union through Christian Aid, UK. (Two Phases) by using Participatory approaches.
- Planned, Implemented & Monitored Eco Village Development Program on 500 hectors in 4 Villages and other 1500 hectors in 2 Villages supported by Government of Maharashtra.
- Planned, Implemented & Monitored Drought Prone Area Development Program on 1000 hectors of two villages supported by Government of Maharashtra.
- Planned, Implemented & Monitored Soil and Water conservation measures on 8000 hectors from 8 Villages supported by Council for Peoples Action & Rural Technology (CAPART) Government of India through NGOs.
- Worked as empanelled monitor of CAPART for its western Region. Was evolved in partner selection process for CAPART Watershed development project and monitoring of the program.
- Monitored various Watershed Development Projects like Indo Germen, CAPART, Drought Prone Area Development (DPAP), Hariyali, Ideal Village Development & CAWSD etc. in Maharashtra with various NGOs and the departments of GOM like Agriculture, Soil conservation, GSDA, Drinking water & Sanitation.
- Conducted approximately 70,000 training man days on various aspects of Watershed Development (NRM) especially on various Conventional measures of Soil and Water harvesting & use of Participatory Approaches in Planning, Implementation & Monitoring of Watershed Development projects.
Education
PhD - Rural Development
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
10.2021
Bachelor of Journalism -
Tilak Maharashtra Open University
Pune06.2010
Master of Social Work -
Sant Gadagebaba Amravati University
Amravati05.2007
Bachelor of Arts -
Yashavantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
Nasik05.2005
Diploma in Civil Engineering -
Board of Technical Exam.
Maharashtra01.1994
Skills
- Integrated Watershed Planning with Ridge-to-Valley Approach
- DPR preparation
- Bill of Quantities and Cost Estimation
- Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring of Soil and Water Conservation Structures
- Watershed hydrology and water budgeting
- Climate‑resilient and sustainable agriculture
- Livelihood Promotion (Agriculture, Livestock, SHGs, Women Enterprises)
- Community Mobilisation and Institution Building (Pani Samiti, VDCs, SHGs)
- Government Convergence and Scheme Alignment
- Monitoring, GIS, and geo-tagged documentation
- Financial compliance and audit readiness
- Team Leadership, Capacity Building, and Training Design
Publications
- Hand Book on Watershed Development in Marathi
- Booklet on Participatory Approaches (PRA) in Marathi
- Manual on Nature Based Solutions (NBS) under preparation
References
- Vijay Kolekar, Senior Agronomist, Project Management Unit, PoCRA, vijayskolekar@gmail.com, 08369472198
- Upneet Singh, Sr. Water & Sanitation Specialist, World Bank Group, usingh@worldbank.org, 09810826027
- Dr. Sampat Kale, Assistant Professor, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, samkale@gmail.com, 08999744448
- M.N.Kondhalkar, Ex. Executive Director of Action Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra, kondhalkarmn@gmail.com, 09822068656, 09763704831
Hobbies and interests
- Cricket
- Singing
- Connecting people
Languages
English
Advanced
C1
Hindi
Advanced
C1
Marathi
Proficient
C2
Timeline
Field Officer
The Nature Conservancy
10.2022 - Current
Assistant Director, Water
Bhartiya Jain Sanghatna
09.2021 - 05.2022
WASH Consultant
Centre for Youth Development and Activities (CYDA)
01.2019 - 08.2020
Guest Faculty & CENA Consultant
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
06.2017 - 08.2021
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion Expert (STC)
Oxford Policy Management Ltd
06.2017 - 02.2019
Communitywide Behaviour Change Expert for WASH (STC)
World Bank Group
02.2016 - 06.2017
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
Water Supply & Sanitation Department of Punjab
01.2015 - 10.2015
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
CLTS Foundation
01.2015 - 04.2015
Lead Trainer in CLTS (STC)
Feedback foundation
09.2012 - 08.2013
WASH and Capacity Building Expert (STC)
IPE Global PVT. LTD.
06.2012 - 09.2014
Sanitation expert and study coordinator (STC)
World Bank (WSP)
01.2009 - 12.2009
Water Expert (STC)
Maharashtra Samajeek Navnirman Academy
10.2007 - 11.2014
Capacity Building Expert (STC)
PRIMOVE Infrastructure Development PVT LTD
04.2004 - 07.2007
Watershed Engineer
Action for Agricultural Renewal in Maharashtra (AFARM)
12.1991 - 03.2004
PhD - Rural Development
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Bachelor of Journalism -
Tilak Maharashtra Open University
Master of Social Work -
Sant Gadagebaba Amravati University
Bachelor of Arts -
Yashavantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University
Diploma in Civil Engineering -
Board of Technical Exam.