Dr Kapil Kesarwani

About

Dr Kapil Kesarwani is a Scientist at the Centre for Cryosphere and Climate Change Studies at the National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee and an accomplished researcher in Himalayan Glaciology and Climate Science He holds a doctorate in Physics with specialization in Glaciology and has more than sixteen years of experience in Cryospheric Research Glacier Monitoring and Mountain Hydro-meteorology His research focuses on Glacier Energy-Mass Balance Glacier Dynamics Climate Change impacts Snow and Ice processes and Water Resource Sustainability in the Himalayan Region Dr Kesarwani has led and participated in numerous scientific expeditions across the Central and Western Himalaya as well as glaciers in the European Alps He has extensive expertise in advanced Glaciological and Hydro-Meteorological observations including Automatic Weather Stations Ice Drilling Systems Ground Penetrating Radar Global Positioning Systems Sunphotometer Aethalometers and Remote Sensing tools His work combines Field Observations Geospatial Technologies and Numerical Modelling to improve understanding of Glacier-Climate interactions He has published number of Research Papers in reputed National and International journals supervised Graduate Postgraduate and Doctoral researchers and contributed significantly to multidisciplinary Projects of National Importance related to Climate Change Glacier Hazards and Himalayan Water Security

Academic Qualifications

Degree	Subject	University	Year
PhD	Physics (Glaciology)	Kumaun University, Nainital / Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun	2016
M.Sc.	Physics (specialisation in Applied Electronics)	Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar, Uttarakhand	2010
B.Sc.	Physics, Mathematics, Statistics	Mahatama Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh	2007

Experience

06/02/2024 - Present | Scientist 'D' (National Institute of Hydrology (An Autonomous Society of Deptt. of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India), Roorkee, Uttarakhand)
01/01/2020 - 05/02/2024 | Scientist 'C' (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (An Autonomus Institute of Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India), Almora, Uttarakhand)
19/01/2017 - 31/12/2019 | Postdoctoral Fellow (Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand)
30/07/2010 - 13/06/2016 | Research Scholar (JRF/SRF/Extended-SRF) (Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (An Autonomous Institution of Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India), Dehradun, Uttarakhand)

Administrative Roles

Officer-in-Charge (OIC) - Cryosphere & Climate Research Laboratory (National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee)
July 2025 - Till present
Nodal Officer - Swachh Bharat Mission (National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee)
July 2025 - Till Present
Member - Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) (National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee)
June 2025 - Till Present
Dy. Procurement Officer (National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee)
April, 2024 - March, 2025
Procurement Officer - CEA&CC (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
January 2023 - January 2024
Nodal Officer-Government Land Information System (GLIS) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
October 2022 - January 2024
Member - Press, Media and Advertisment (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
July 2020 - January 2024
Dy. Security Incharge (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
July 2020 - December 2022
Security Incharge (HQs. & All Regional Centres) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
December 2022 - December 2023
Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
December 2022 - January 2024
Member - Library & Information Centre Committee (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
December 2022 - January 2024
Member - Documentation, Extension and Partnership Cell (DEPC) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
July 2020 - January 2024
Member - Committee for Promotion of Library & Information Centre (CPLIC) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
May 2021 - January 2024
Dy. OIC - Talks/Annual Assement/Presentation/Internal Seminar (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
December 2022 - January 2024
Member - Committee for Landscape Management & Outreach Promotion (CLMOP) (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
July 2020 - May 2021
Member - E-Waste Techncial Inspection and Disposal Committee (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Almora)
October 2021 - March 2022

Research Interest

Cryospheric, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Himalayan Glaciers Dynamics Study (Mountain Hydrology and Meteorology, Glacier Fluctuations and Mass Balance, Snow/Ice Surface Melt Modelling, Glacier Energy-Mass Balance modelling and Hydrological Modelling) / Himalayan Water Resource Fluctuations / Climate Change / Environmental Assessment / Space-based Cryosphere Monitoring and Modelling using Geospatial Techniques.

Publications

International Journal

Extended T-index models for glacier surface melting: a case study from Chorabari Glacier, Central Himalaya, India
Karakoti I., Kesarwani K., Mehta M., Dobhal D.P.
Theoretical and Applied Climatology (2016 )
Devastation in the Kedarnath (Mandakini) Valley, Garhwal Himalaya, during 16–17 June 2013: a remote sensing and ground based assessment
Bhambri, R., Mehta, M., Dobhal, D.P., Gupta, A. K, Pratap, Bhanu, Kesarwani, K., Verma, A.
Natural Hazards (2016 )
Towards the understanding of the flash flood through isotope approach in Kedarnath valley in June 2013, Central Himalaya, India
Ahluwalia R.S., Rai S.P., Gupta A.K., Dobhal D.P., Tiwari R.K., Garg P., Kesarwani K.
Natural Hazards (2016 )
Climate change impacts on high-altitude Himalayan hydrology: A review with special reference to modeling applications
Sharma, A., Kesarwani, K. and Srivastava, V.
Meteorology Hydrology and Water Management (2026 )
Integrated hydrological modelling and streamflow characterization of Gangotri Glacier meltwater
Arora, M., Goel, N.K., Kesarwani, K., Malhotra J.
Applied Water Science (2024 )
Supraglacial geomorphology of Companion Glacier, Central Himalaya: Evolution, Controls and Consequences
Garg PK, Mehta M, Shukla A, Chauhan P, Kesarwani K and Mukherjee S
Frontiers in Earth Science (2023 )
Climate Change Impact on Himalayan Ecosystem: An Assessment of Rishiganga River Basin, Central Himalaya, India
Kesarwani K., Sharma A., Ghosh T., Kuniyal J.C., Tiwari A., Mala A., Srivastava V.
International Journal of Environmental Sciences (2021 )
Modelling of Meteorological Parameters for the Chorabari Glacier, Central Himalaya, India
Karakoti, I., Kesarwani, K., Mehta, M., Dobhal, D.P.
Current Science (2017 )
High Altitude Meteorology and Cloud cover conditions: A study from Chorabari Glacier catchment, Central Himalaya, India
Kesarwani, K., Dobhal, D.P., Durgapal, A., Mehta, M.
Himalayan Geology (2015 )
Monitoring of glacier changes and response time in Chorabari Glacier, Central Himalaya, Garhwal, India
Mehta, M., Dobhal, D.P. Kesarwani, K., Pratap, B., Kumar, A. and Verma, A.
Current Science (2014 )
Climatic control on extreme sediment transfer from Dokriani Glacier during monsoon, Garhwal Himalaya (India)
Kumar, A., Verma, A., Dobhal, D.P., Mehta, M., Kesarwani, K
Journal of Earth System Science (2014 )

National Journal

Vermicomposting: A Sustainable Solution for Waste Management
Pandey, S., Rai, S., Kuniyal, J.C., Kesarwani, K.
Crimson Publishers (2023 )
Rainfall Trends (1998-2018) over the Chorabari Glacier in Mandakini River Basin, Uttarakhand, India
Mala, A., Kesarwani, K.
ENVIS Bulletin Himalayan Ecology (2019 )
Wind Induced climate and its influence on the surface ablation of Debris-covered glaciers.
Kesarwani, K., Dobhal, D.P., Singh, J., Gairola., A., Birajdar, F., Mehta, M., Karakoti, I., Durgapal, A.
Journal of Wind Engineering (2015 )
Meteorological observations at Chorabari and Dokriani glaciers, Garhwal Himalaya, India
Kesarwani, K., Pratap, B., Bhambri, R., Mehta, M., Kumar, A., Karakoti, I., Verma, A., Dobhal, D.P.
Journal of Indian Geological Congress (2012 )

Technical Report

Outcomes on Adverse Impact of Climate Change on the Himalayan Communities for Prime Minister Office, Govt. of India
Kesarwani K., Kuniyal J.C.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India (2023 )

Projects

Internal Studies 3

Influence of Climate Change and Future Response of the Milam Glacier (Central Himalaya, India): Science – Practice – Policy

Agency: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India | Duration: 2024-27 | Role: PI

Monitoring and Modelling of the Gangotri glacier catchment under different Climate Scenarios

Agency: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India | Duration: 2023-2026 | Role: Co-PI

Seasonal variations in the Sediment Concentration and Organic Matter Dynamics in Neola Glacier, Uttarakhand

Agency: Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Govt. of India | Duration: 2025-2028 | Role: Co-PI

Consultancy Projects 1

Preparation of District/State Environment Plan for Uttarakhand

Agency: Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board, Govt. of Uttarakhand | Duration: 2020-23 | Role: Co-PI

Conference & Training

Seminar / Conference / Symposia

8th India Water Week – 2024

International Duration: 17-20 September 2024 Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Training / Workshop / Brainstorming

Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme on ‘Advanced Training on Glaciers and Glacial Lakes Observations for Sustainable Water Resource Management

National Duration: 29 September-10 October 2025 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

1st National HimSchool on ‘Cryosphere & Climate Change Studies’ (NHC3S-1: 2025)

National Duration: 24-28 March 2025 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme on ‘Advanced Training on Glaciers and Glacial Lakes Observations for Sustainable Water Resource Management

National Duration: 24 February – 01 March 2025 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

3rd Steering Committee on ‘Monitoring of Glaciers’

National Duration: 20 January 2025 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

NIH-Central Stock Management Systems (CSMS) portal for Digital Entry of Stocks

National Duration: 17 December 2024 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

Brainstorming Session on “Monitoring of Glaciers”

National Duration: 28 November 2024 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

Two-day Training Programme on Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal Functionalities

National Duration: 10-11 June 2024 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

2nd Meeting of Steering Committee for ‘Monitoring of Glaciers’

National Duration: 25 April 2024 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

Climate Dynamics & Aerosols

National Duration: 09 Febraury 2026 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

4th meeting of the Steering Committee for “Monitoring of Glaciers”

National Duration: 13 February 2026 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

2nd Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Meeting for "Monitoring of Glaciers"

National Duration: 04 September 2025 Location: NIH Roorkee, Uttarakhand

3rd meeting of the Steering Committee for “Monitoring of Glaciers”

National Duration: 11 April 2025 Location: DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, New Delhi

Achievements

Honors & Awards

Postdoctoral Fellowship
International Travel Support
3rd Best Poster Presentation Award
PhD Research Fellowship

Professional Memberships

Indian Meteorological Society (Membership No: Reg. No.: LM -2459 (Level of Membership: Lifetime))
Indian Society for Wind Engineering (Membership No: Reg. No.: LM -559 (Level of Membership: Lifetime) )
Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) (Membership No: (Level of Membership: 3 years 2020-2022) )
International Association of Hydrological Sciences (Membership No: Reg. No. 20957 (Level of Membership: Lifetime) )

Student Guidance

Doctoral Supervision

Impact of Himalayan Cryosphere Dynamics on High-Altitude Tree-Line Migration Under Influence of Climate Change (PhD Dissertation Report)

Student: SHIKHA BHAYANI | University/Institute: Forest Research Institute (deemed to be University) | Year: 2023 | Role: Guide

Assessing Cryo-Climate Hazards over the Glacierized Basins of the Central Himalaya: Application of Ensemble Modelling and Machine Learning Techniques

Student: Anukriti Sharma | University/Institute: Department of Physics, Graphic Era University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2025 to Till Present | Role: Co-Guide

Estimation of Surface Energy Balance Fluxes over Himalayan Glaciers: Impact of Climate Change and Implications for Future Water Availability

Student: Akriti Sharma | University/Institute: Department of Physics, Graphic Era University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2025 to Till Present | Role: Co-Guide

Masters Supervision

2D-Hydraulic Modelling using HEC-RAS for Glacial Lake Assessment in the Goriganga River Basin, Uttarakhand

Student: Irfan Jabir | University/Institute: Department of Geology, Farook College (Autonomous), Kerala | Year: 2026 | Role: Guide

2-Dimensional Hydraulic Modelling of Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (Glof): Process Understanding & Flow Dynamics Assessment

Student: Ikra Beg | University/Institute: Department of Geology, Doon University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2026 | Role: Guide

Hydrodynamic Simulation of Safed Lake, Goriganga River Basin, Uttarakhand, India

Student: Ruhani | University/Institute: Department of Geology, Doon University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2026 | Role: Guide

Understanding Dynamics of Himalayan Glaciers: Fundamentals Monitoring Techniques and Modelling Approach

Student: Aju D Raj | University/Institute: Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Kerala, Kerala | Year: 2024 | Role: Guide

Impact of Climate Change on Horticulture Crops of High-Altitude Regions

Student: Preksha Giria | University/Institute: Department of Environmental Science, Central University of Haryana, Haryana | Year: 2021 | Role: Co-Guide

Mapping of Debris-cover over the Himalayan Glaciers

Student: Vanya Pandey | University/Institute: Department of Environmental Science, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh | Year: 2021 | Role: Guide

Hydrological Response of the Debris-Covered Dunagiri Glacier Stream flow (Alaknanda River Basin) towards Changing Climate, Central Himalaya (Uttarakhand), India

Student: Shaishaw Prasun | University/Institute: Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand | Year: 2018 | Role: Co-Guide

Thermodynamical Changes of the Debris-Covered Himalayan Glaciers

Student: Arushi Sharma | University/Institute: Department of Physics, HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2017 | Role: Co-Guide

Hydrological Modelling of Streamflow in the Glacierized catchment of Central Himalaya (Uttarakhand, India)

Student: Darshan Hans | University/Institute: Department of Physics, HNB Garhwal University, Uttarakhand | Year: 2017 | Role: Co-Guide

Miscellaneous

National / International Committees

Executive Council Member - Indian Polar Research Network (APECS-India): 2020-21.
Member - Expert Committee of Scientists/Professionals for National Museum of Natural History, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India

Foreign Visits

Attended 2nd Hindu Kush Himalaya Science policy Forum Climate and Cryosphere Crisis organized by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal (September 20 - 23, 2023)
Attended a training course on “Ice sheet and Glaciers in the Climate System’ organized by Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Utrecht University, Netherlands at Karthaus, Northern Italy (September 07 - 22, 2014)

Other Important Information

Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Sensors and Data Logger programming, HBV-Light Hydrological Model (semi distributed conceptual hydrological modelling), Logger Net 4.0, pc200W, WR-Plot, MS-Excel, Matlab, Grapher, Arc GIS, ERDAS IMAGINE, Sigma Plot, Origin 8.5, Corel Draw, MS-Office.
Installation and handling of Automatic Weather Station (AWS) along with various Meteorological sensors, AWS Networking, Steam Driven-Ice Drill, Ground Penetrating Radar, Total Station, Automatic Water Level Recorder, Aethalometer, Global Positioning System, Snow-Ice Density Measurement kit, etc.
Carried out various Glaciological Field Expeditions to some of the thickly debris-covered glaciers of the Indian Himalaya under the National Mission of ‘Himalayan Glaciology Research Programme' funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
Participated in the International Glacier Field Excursion to some of the glaciers of the Oetztal Alps and Hintereisferner Glacier, Austria.
Deeply involved in the Glacier mass balance study program using the glaciological method (in-situ measurements), snout fluctuation assessment, glacier hydrology (using area-velocity method), mountain meteorology and their response to present climate scenario.
Profoundly associated in maintenance/checkup of the field equipment viz AWS network, Steam Driven Ice-Drill, Total station, Snow-Ice Density Measurement Kit, Ground Penetrating Radar and Automatic Water Level Recorder, etc. installed at the glacierized catchments