Dr. Himani Purohit is a distinguished environmental scientist with a strong academic foundation, holding an MSc and a PhD in environmental sciences, along with a Diploma in Biodiversity Conservation from the Forest Research Institute (FRI) of India. Since joining HESCO in 2006, she has been at the forefront of community-driven environmental conservation, focusing on empowering marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, through sustainable resource-based economies.
As the founder of the “Association of Backward Community (ABC)” initiative, Dr. Himani has pioneered efforts to enhance local ecosystems while improving economic opportunities in rural and tribal regions. Her work has directly impacted over 100 women’s groups across Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and the North-East, leading the development of integrated model villages, resource centers, and market linkages for rural products.
Dr. Kiran Negi is a Principal Scientist at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), with extensive experience in environmental conservation, rural development, and women’s empowerment through scientific and technological interventions. She holds a Ph.D. from H.N.B. Garhwal University and has been actively involved in research and development projects for over 28 years.
Her research contributions include serving as a Junior Research Fellow and Senior Research Fellow in a DST-sponsored project on hill agro-ecosystem redevelopment and biomass utilization. She has worked on multiple rural development initiatives, including projects funded by OXFAM and CAPART, focusing on indigenous knowledge upgradation, environmental education, and women’s technological empowerment. As a Co-Investigator and Women Coordinator at HESCO, she has led various initiatives aimed at sustainable development, with a particular emphasis on integrating women into income-generating activities through science and technology.
Vinod Singh Khati is a Senior Scientist at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO), specializing in isotope hydrology and water resource management in mountainous regions. With an MSc in Geology from H.N.B. Garhwal University, he has over two decades of experience in hydrogeological research, focusing on spring recharge and rainwater harvesting.
He has played a pivotal role in multiple government-supported projects, including isotope-based identification of spring recharge areas, recharging of drying springs, and the establishment of an isotope hydrology laboratory in Dehradun. His research contributions have been published in Current Science, highlighting advancements in isotope hydro-geological investigations.
Vinod has participated in international training programs organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna and Colombo, as well as technical workshops at BARC Mumbai and NIH Roorkee.
Malti Semwal has been a Project Coordinator at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO) since 2012, specializing in community development and entrepreneurship. She brings extensive expertise in project planning, execution, and monitoring, ensuring efficient resource utilization, budget management, and stakeholder collaboration. Her work focuses on Self-Help Group (SHG) formation, local resource-based entrepreneurship, and market strategy development, particularly in sustainable agriculture, horticulture, and value chain enhancement. With a strong commitment to community empowerment, she actively engages government agencies, local stakeholders, and beneficiaries to create sustainable, long-term development solutions.
Pramod Chandra Joshi serves as the Project Coordinator at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), overseeing the management and execution of various projects. With a focus on effective planning, implementation, and monitoring, he ensures that project objectives are met within defined timelines and resources. His expertise includes resource management, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. He actively collaborates with government agencies, community members, and beneficiaries to foster sustainable development. Additionally, he designs and conducts training programs on sustainable farming, value chain development, and business management, empowering communities with knowledge and skills for long-term success.
Ranjana Kukreti Sharma has been actively working in the field of rural development and agriculture in mountainous regions since 2011. As an integral part of the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), she manages accountancy, finance, project coordination, and personnel administration. Her dedication to sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods has earned her national and international recognition.
In 2018, she was honored with the “Women’s Champion Award in Agriculture” by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, for her outstanding contributions to the agricultural sector. She further expanded her expertise by participating in an international training program at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, in 2019.
Vishakha serves as a Field Coordinator at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), where she plays a crucial role in managing and overseeing field operations. She ensures the effective execution of on-ground activities by coordinating with team members, supervising on-site tasks, and facilitating seamless communication. With a strong focus on optimizing field processes, she works to enhance operational efficiency and support project implementation, ensuring that initiatives are successfully carried out at the grassroots level.
Vandana is a Field Coordinator and Trainer at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), where she plays a dual role in managing field operations and leading training programs. She ensures the seamless execution of projects on the ground while providing mentorship and skill development opportunities to individuals. With a strong focus on capacity building, she works to empower teams and community members, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and expertise to drive sustainable development initiatives effectively.
Parul Negi is a Research Associate at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), specializing in mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through scientific research and community engagement. Her work focuses on developing and validating sustainable cropping systems to reduce wildlife-related risks while promoting effective management strategies. By collaborating closely with local communities, she implements evidence-based solutions that foster coexistence between humans and wildlife, ensuring ecological balance and sustainable livelihoods.
Jyoti Parmar is a Research Associate at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO) and a Ph.D. candidate in Biotechnology. Her work focuses on forest fire research, where she explores biotechnological solutions for wildfire management and forest conservation. With a strong research background, she is dedicated to developing innovative strategies that mitigate the impact of forest fires, contributing to sustainable environmental management and ecosystem resilience.
Heisnam Bipna is a Research Associate at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), specializing in community forest management. Her work focuses on assessing the livelihoods supported by these forests and evaluating the sustainability of their management practices. By studying the relationship between local communities and forest resources, she aims to develop strategies that promote sustainable conservation efforts while ensuring the well-being of those who depend on these ecosystems.
Kalash Bhardwaj is a PhD Scholar at the Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO), specializing in the ecological conversion of forests. His work involves conducting in-depth environmental research, designing and implementing restoration projects, and collaborating with local communities to promote nature conservation. With a strong emphasis on sustainable forest management, he is dedicated to enhancing biodiversity, empowering communities, and developing long-term strategies for environmental sustainability.
Neeti Rawat joined Himalayan Environmental Science and Conservation Organization (HESCO) as an intern in 2024 and now contributes as a researcher. With an MSc in Forestry specializing in Tree Improvement, she plays a key role in coordinating field projects and mentoring interns. Her work focuses on sustainable environmental practices, community engagement, and field research aimed at ecological conservation and rural development. Neeti’s expertise in forestry and her dedication to environmental sustainability align with HESCO’s mission of fostering community-driven ecological solutions.
Alisha Bahuguna is working as a Senior Project Associate under the HESCO and IIT Kanpur collaboration, focusing on the calculation of Gross Environment Product (GEP) for Uttar Pradesh. With an MSc in Economics, her role involves in contributing to the integration of ecological factors into economic assessments. Her work involves the implementation and enhancement of the GEP framework, contributing to the development of an ecologically inclusive economic metric that account for environmental well-being.
Prem Kandwal is an Expert Trainer at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO), specializing in sustainable livelihood practices. With extensive experience in Lantana management, mushroom cultivation, charcoal briquetting, and the production of dhoop and agar-batti, he plays a crucial role in imparting practical knowledge to communities.
He designs and conducts training programs across multiple states, including Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar, focusing on skill development and environmental conservation. His efforts empower local communities by promoting sustainable techniques that enhance livelihoods while ensuring ecological balance. Through his expertise and dedication, Prem continues to contribute to HESCO’s mission of fostering environmental sustainability and community development.
Deepa Devi is a Food Processing Trainer at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO), dedicated to empowering women through skill development and entrepreneurship. She conducts hands-on training sessions both at the HESCO office and in the field, guiding women in food processing techniques and best practices.
She oversees the preparation and packaging of various food products available at HESCO, ensuring quality and efficiency. Her work focuses on motivating women to become self-reliant by equipping them with the skills needed to start and sustain their own businesses. Through her expertise and commitment, Deepa plays a key role in fostering economic independence and community development.
Manish Rathor is a Computer Programmer & Technical Assistant at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO). He is responsible for managing technical operations, supporting digital infrastructure, and ensuring the smooth functioning of IT systems within the organization.
With expertise in programming and technical support, he plays a key role in maintaining data systems, assisting in project documentation, and providing technical assistance for various initiatives. His work contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of HESCO’s environmental and community-driven projects.
Chandan Bora is a Water Mill Operator and Welding Maintenance professional at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO). With expertise in welding, repairs, and maintenance, he plays a vital role in ensuring the functionality and efficiency of various sustainable technologies implemented by HESCO.
His responsibilities extend to training communities in mushroom cultivation, conducting site visits to collect project data, and installing water mills in the Himalayan region to promote renewable energy solutions. Additionally, he is actively involved in setting up low-cost bridges, biogas systems, and pyrolizers, contributing to infrastructure development and environmental sustainability. Through his technical expertise and hands-on approach, Chandan supports HESCO’s mission of fostering self-reliant and eco-friendly solutions for mountain communities.
Dinesh Rawat is a Technical Assistant at the Himalayan Environmental Studies & Conservation Organization (HESCO), contributing to the organization’s operational efficiency since 2016. His role involves providing technical support for workshop-related tasks, ensuring seamless workflow, and overseeing departmental activities to maintain efficiency.
He is responsible for assisting with technical troubleshooting, maintaining equipment, and upholding safety and quality standards across various projects. Through his expertise in workshop management and coordination, Dinesh plays a vital role in supporting HESCO’s initiatives focused on sustainable development and environmental conservation.
She oversees the preparation and packaging of various food products available at HESCO, ensuring quality and efficiency. Her work focuses on motivating women to become self-reliant by equipping them with the skills needed to start and sustain their own businesses. Through her expertise and commitment, Deepa plays a key role in fostering economic independence and community development.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar has been actively engaged in the upliftment of rural community including tribal community of Uttarakhand through S&T intervention for income generating activities. He was instrumental in providing technologies using local biomass resource in the making of incense material, fancy article of Ringal and designing and color combination of carpet. He also motivated tribal community to start fruit and vegetables preservation centers so that the locally available fruit and vegetables, which were going waste, could be converted into commercially viable eatable products. These centers, which he helped to create in 1990, are still working very well. A large number of tribal men and women had benefited through the activity and were able to economically help their families.
He also helped the tribal engaged in agriculture by providing them better agriculture technologies (organic farming, cultivation practices, harvesting and marketing) and improved variety of seeds, resulting high productivity. These interventions helped the tribal community who were unaware of the advances in the science and technologies to enhance the productivity and earn better. Being a respected worker.