Speakers

• Arvind Lakshmisha Research Fellow, Azim Premji University
  

  Arvind Lakshmisha

  Research Fellow, Azim Premji University

  Arvind Lakshmisha is an interdisciplinary researcher with a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development, a double-degree programme of United Nations University and Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT). He also has a Master’s in Climate Science and Policy from TERI School of Advanced Studies (TERI SAS). Prior to joining Azim Premji University, he was a Research Associate at the Section of International Agricultural Policy and Environmental Governance, University of Kassel, Germany. 

• Prof. Mohan Kumar Head- Technical Approval Committee, BWSSB
  

  Prof. Mohan Kumar

  Head- Technical Approval Committee, BWSSB

  Prof. Mohan Kumar is a distinguished expert in the field of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, currently serving as a Head of Technical Approval Committee at Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). In the past he was a Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, India. With a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering specializing in Water Resources Engineering and several decades of experience, he has established himself as a leading authority in various aspects of hydrology and environmental science.

  Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Mohan Kumar has contributed significantly to research areas including groundwater flow modeling, contaminant transport in porous media, multiphase flow modeling, and water quantity/quality modeling in distribution networks. His expertise extends to serving in numerous prestigious roles such as Chairman of the Indo-French Cell for Water Sciences and as an Associate Faculty member in several distinguished research centers.

  Prof. Mohan Kumar has been honored with several awards and fellowships, including the Indian National Science Academy Fellowship, Alexander Von Humboldt Fellowship, and recognition as a Fellow of the Indian Water Works Association and The Geological Society of India. He has also been a Visiting Professor at esteemed institutions globally, further enriching his interdisciplinary approach to water science.

  In addition to his academic pursuits, Prof. Mohan Kumar is deeply involved in shaping water policy and management strategies, contributing his expertise as a member of various technical committees and research councils. He has also made significant contributions to the scholarly community as an editorial board member of esteemed journals in the field.

  Prof. Mohan Kumar’s dedication to advancing knowledge in water resources engineering and his commitment to sustainable technology have earned him recognition and accolades, including the prestigious Amulya & Vimala Reddy Lecture Award by the Indian Institute of Science.

• Shreya Nath Managing Partner- Urban Water, WELL Labs
  

  Shreya Nath

  Managing Partner- Urban Water, WELL Labs

  Shreya leads the Urban Water programme at WELL Labs. Her role involves mapping urban systems to uncover ways to build climate resilient cities.

  Shreya has over eight years of experience in sustainable architecture and urban planning. She has contributed to the design and execution of a wide range of projects ranging from large-scale, master-planning schemes to detail-oriented residential buildings.

  She is also passionate about research in the field of sustainability and holds a Master’s in Sustainable Environmental Design from the Architectural Association, London. Her research is centered around strategies to adapt and respond to rapidly-changing climates and urban environments.

• Vishwanath S. Advisor, Biome Environmental Trust
  

  Vishwanath S.

  Advisor, Biome Environmental Trust

  S. Vishwanath is a distinguished Civil Engineer and Urban Planner with over 34 years of extensive experience in the water, wastewater, and sanitation sectors. His expertise lies in designing innovative solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems, aquifer recharge methods, wastewater recycling technologies, and ecological sanitation systems. He is currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Azim Premji University in Bengaluru.

  In addition to his academic role, Vishwanath actively contributes to environmental causes as an Advisor at the Biome Environmental Trust and serves as a Director at Biome Environmental Solutions. He is deeply engaged in shaping policy frameworks, having been a member of expert committees instrumental in formulating key policies such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater, and water policies for Karnataka. His contributions extend beyond regional boundaries, as evidenced by his memberships in esteemed organizations like the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Sustainable Sanitation Alliance, and International Water Association.

  Vishwanath’s dedication to advancing sustainable water management practices is evident through his involvement in various projects and initiatives. He served as the Secretary General of the International Rainwater Catchment Systems Association for four years and provided advisory support to organizations like Arghyam and the India Water Portal for a decade. Prior to his current roles, he held significant positions such as Senior Projects Appraisal Officer at the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd. for 14 years.

  Moreover, Vishwanath’s commitment to raising awareness about water issues shines through his weekly column, “Waterwise,” published in The Hindu for an impressive 12 years.