Dr. R. K. Sood is a distinguished expert in geomorphology, remote sensing and disaster management, with over four decades of experience spanning scientific research, environmental planning and capacity building. A Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, he has served in key leadership roles across premier institutions, including the Space Application Centre (ISRO), the State Council for Science, Technology & Environment and the Environmental Planning Unit of the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
He retired as Professor and Head of the Disaster Management Centre at the Himachal Institute of Public Administration (HIPA), where he trained more than 5,000 government officials and led major initiatives in hazard vulnerability assessment, climate resilience, and state-level disaster management planning. Dr. Sood has also been a consultant to the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and the Swiss Embassy for climate adaptation studies in the Himalayan region.
During his tenure at ISRO, he contributed significantly to national programmes on geomorphology, groundwater studies, land-use mapping, remote sensing applications and technology missions on drinking water. As Chief Scientific Officer at the State Remote Sensing Cell, he played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding remote sensing capabilities in Himachal Pradesh.
His extensive experience also includes directing environmental policy implementation, evaluating CSR and social development initiatives for SJVNL, and leading numerous research projects related to environmental impact assessment, geology and natural resource management. Dr. Sood is an active member of several professional bodies and has authored numerous scientific papers, reflecting his long-standing commitment to research and sustainable development.
