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Contact Info
Dr. Pritam Chand
+91-9650966260
Lab-317, Department of Geography, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda-151401, Punjab (India)
Dr. Pritam Chand
Qualification

2016     Ph.D. (Physical Geography with splz. in Glaciology, Geo-informatics, Geochronology), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India (with lab research collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory, Deptt. of Space, Gujarat, India)

2011     M.Phil. (Physical Geography with splz. in Glaciology, Geo-informatics, Geochronology), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India (In First Class)

2008     Post Graduate Diploma in Geo-informatics Jointly from International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, Enschede, NetherlandsIndian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS-ISRO), Dehradun, India (In First Class with distinction in ITC-IIRS Project)

2006     Post Graduation (Geography), Deptt. of Geography, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India  (In First Class), 

2004     Graduation (Geography Honors with Math as minor), DAV College, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. (Gold Medal in Geography Honors)

Experience
Teaching Experience (≈ 5 years and continue)
Research Experience ( ≈ 2.5 Years)
Research Area
  • Glaciology (Glacier-Climate modelling over the longer temporal scale  to recent years) 
  • Geo-informatics (Advanced remote sensing & GIS, Lidar, Digital photogrammetry)
  • Geo-hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction (in context to reported climate change)
  • Geochronology (Reconstruct long term paleo-climate using Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), Cosmogenic radio nuclides (CRN) and recently acquainted tree ring dating)

Research interest

 

Research Interests

Dr. Chand research mainly concentrate to comprehend the response of glacier dynamics to changing climate and resulting contribution to regional water balance; to understand the timing and extent of Quaternary glaciations in the Himalayan region and its impact on landscape evolution; and to identify the risk of triggering glacial hazards in context to reported climate warming and glacial fluctuation in the Himalaya in order to formulate risk-based adaptation strategies. In his research, he typically combine 4G approach i.e. Geo-informatics (advanced remote sensing & GIS, Lidar, digital photogrammetry), Geo-statistics (also includes numerical modelling using R & Python), Geo-chronology (i.e. OSL/CRN dating and recently acquainted tree rings dating methods) and field based Geo-physical measurements (i.e. GPR, DGPS, Terrestrial Lidar, glaciological Mass Balance etc.). Here ae following themes over his group mainly works. 

  • Glacier-Climate interaction: To comprehend the glacier-climate interaction by investigate the response of the Himalayan Glaciers to climate forcing using a field based geophysical measurements, remote sensing, and geo-spatial modelling.
  • Geo-hazards/Geo-morphodynamics investigation the geo-hazards and morphological dynamics in context to reported climate warming and associated resultant impacts on society and the livelihood of people across mountain regions and its downstream areas.
  • Geo-informatics: To apply advanced remote sensing techniques (Optical and Passive i.e. Radar and Lidar) and geospatial modelling to comprehend the geomorphic process in response to climate change impacts.
  • Geochronology: To reconstruct the long term paleoclimate using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL), cosmogenic radio nuclides (CRN) and recently acquainted tree ring dating.
Research Grants/Projects

    OnGoing: 

    • SERB Core Grant- (2023-2026) (~70 Lakh)

    Completed: 

    • 2017:2019: SERB  Project, Project Cost: 19.2 Lakh (Including fellowship, research grant/contingency & overhead)
    • Research Seed Money (RSM) project funded by Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab (India): 2021-2022 (3 Lakh) 
    • UGC-FRPS Start-Up Research Grant - 2021-2023 (~10 Lakh)
    Professional Affiliation

    Membership:

    • Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS) (Life membership: L-5211)
    • International Association of Hydrological Sciences (Membership No.: 16518)
    • Indian Water Resources Society (IWRS) (Life membership: LM-2019-7828)
    • International Glaciology Society (IGS) (Membership No.: 00008592)
    Professional Recognition/Awards/Scholarships
    • 2024  Research Award for Year 2022-2023 from Central University of Punjab, Bathinda (India).
    • 2023  International Union for Quaternary Research (INQUA) Grants
    • 2023: University Research Award for the year 2021-2022 for overall Research Publications 
    • 2022: University Research Award for the year 2020-2021 for overall Research Publications 
    • 2017: SERB National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) (Research grant of $28000 (approx.) with added reward).
    • 2016: Institute of Mountain Hazard and Environment (IMHE), Chengdu-China Academy of Science (CAS)-fellowship (~$1500) to attend advanced training in IMHE, Chengdu (China) on mountain geo-hazards.
    • 2015: Best Poster Award to our group study in XII International symposium on Antarctica Earth Science, NCOAR, Goa, India.
    • 2015: Young Geographer Award (Second) by Indian Institute of Geographers (IIG), Guwahati, Assam, India.
    • 2015: Institute de Réserche pour le Développement (IRDFrance) (~$300) Travel grants & Deptt. of Science and Technology, Delhi (India) registration support grant (~$500) to attend International Glaciology Society conference in Kathmandu (Nepal).
    • 2012: START- China Academy of Science (CAS)-fellowship Institute of Atmospheric Science, Beijing, China.
    • 2011: Awarded Best second research paper in International Geo-informatics Research and Development Journal for the year 2011.
    • 2010: Queens Indian welcome scheme fellowship, Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom (U.K).
    • 2009: Awarded Junior/Senior Research fellowship (JRF/SRF), University Grant Commission (UGC), India (2009-2015).
    • Awarded number of extra co-curricular activities awards and distinctions during my academics career e.g. NCC ‘C’ Certificate (2004), NSS Gold Medal/College Colour (2004), Blood Donor Award, NCC Directorate rowing championship (II) and Many More).
    • Reviewers (more than 40 papers reviewed):Journal of Glaciology, Geomorphology, Ecological Indicators (Article reviewed ~30) (Elsevier), Journal of Earth System Science, Climatic Change (Springer), Remote sensing (MDPI), Geocarto International, International Journal of Remote sensing, International Journal of Digital Earth (Taylor & Francis) etc.
    Research Collaboration

    Research collaboration* (*at individual capacity in terms of joint research publication, lab visit and research).

    Collobration

     

      Publications

      Publications (Peer-reviewed journals)

      Citation is available in Google Scholar Profile and full text is either available from ResearchGate Profile or email to me.

      Edited Book

      Sharma S, Kuniyal JC, Chand P and Singh P (2023). Climate Change Adaptation, Risk Management and Sustainable Practices in the Himalaya, Springer Cham, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-24659-3

      2025

      2024

      2023

      2022

      2021

      2020

      Prior 2020

      Book Chapters (Peer-reviewed)

      Other Journals

      Technical reports

      • Chand. P.* (2017). Disaster Management Plan-2017 for districts of Himachal Pradesh with the assistance of United Nation Development Programme (UNDP-HPSDMA), New Delhi, India. (UNDP-HPSDMA-DDMA).

       

      ORCID

      Research Guidance

      Ongoing:

      • Ph.D. Students: (4 ongoing)

      Completed: 

      • Masters (M.Sc.-9 , M.A.-12)
      • M.Tech. (as co-guide from Department of Water Resources Development and Management, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee,Uttarakhand, India): Nyombe Richard Loboso (From South Sudan) Dissertation Title "The impact of Sudd wetland on the Hydro-Climatic conditions of South Sudan", M.Tech. student (2017-2019)
      Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Attended

      International

      1. Chand. P: 15-17 October, 2020 International Virtual Conference on Earth’s Changing Climate: Past, Present & Future organized by The Society of Earth Scientists jointly with India's leading research bodies/institutions i.e. BSIP, IITM, NCPOR,NIDM, NIAS. Presentation on "Glacier dynamics since Little Ice Age (LIA) in north-western Himalaya".

      2. Chand. P: 24-30 Nov. 2019 The 6th Asian Dendrochronology Conference, BSIP, Lucknow (India) Presentation on “Inferring the glacier behaviour since little ice age (LIA) using tree rings in the Chandra-Bhaga basin, North-western Himalaya”.

      3. Chand. P: 24-30 Nov. 2019 The 6th Asian Dendrochronology Conference, BSIP, Lucknow (India) Presentation on “Synthesis approach of remote sensing and dendrochronology to reconstruct long term inter-annual vegetation productivity for the Himalayan region”.

      4. Chand. P.: 13-14 Nov. 2018 National Seminar on Mountain Communities and Adaptive Sustainable Livelihood Strategies, JNU, New Delhi, India Presentation on “Understanding climate change from the Himalayan glaciers fluctuations and multi-data analysis since the end of Little Ice Age (LIA)”.

      5. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 15-17 Dec 2015 XXXV INCA International Congress, JNU, New Delhi, India, Presentation on “Cartographic depiction and visualisation of glacier changes in Himachal Himalaya, North-western part of India”.

      6. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 15-17 Dec 2015 XXXV INCA International Congress, JNU, New Delhi, India, Presentation on “Assessment of existing Himalayan glacier inventories from satellite data: methods, challenges, and specific example from Himachal Himalaya (India)”.

      7. Chand. P., Kumar. S and Sharma. M.C: 17-21 August 2015 International Geography Union (IGU), Moscow, Russia, Presentation on “Reconstructing glacier change post Little Ice Age (LIA) in the North-Western Himalaya, India: an overview and specific examples”.

      8. Sharma S, Chand, P., Bisht P., Shukla A.D., Bartarya, S.K., Sundriyal Y.P., and Juyal N: 13-17 July 2015, XII International symposium on Antarctica Earth Science, NCOAR, Goa, India, Poster Presentation on “Ascertaining the Role of Indian Summer Monsoons and Mid-latitude Westerlies in Driving the Glaciation in Sarchu Plain, Zanskar Himalaya During the Late Quaternary”.(Awarded Best Paper Award for this presentation)

      9. Chand. P and Sharma. M.C: 01-06 March 2015 International Glaciology symposium, Kathmandu, Nepal, Presentation on Glacier changes during the last five decades in the different basins of Himachal Himalaya: an overview and specific examples.

      10. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 25-28 Feb 2015, 36th IIG Congress and International Seminar on Environmental changes and Challenges, Gauhati University, Assam, India: Presentation on Heterogeneity in fluctuations of glacier in the upper Ravi basin, Himachal Himalaya during the last four decades. (Awarded Young Geographer Award as Second for this presentation)

      11. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 07-09 Dec 2013, CLG, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, International conference on Locked in Growth Patterns; Revisiting Land, Water and Disasters for the post-2015 Development Agenda (NAPSIPAG): Presentation on 'Glacial Lake Inventory and Glacial lake Outburst flood (GLOF) risk assessment in the Himachal Himalaya'

      12. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 08 -09 Feb 2013, SES, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, International Humboldt Kolleg on Management of Water, Energy and Bio- resources in Changing Climate Regime: Emerging Issues and Environmental Challenges: Presentation on 'Monitoring snow-covered area (SCA) variability and its relationship with glacial dynamics in the upper Ravi basin of north-western Himalaya'

      13. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 08-11 Feb 2012, Tripura Central University, Agartala, Tripura, India, International seminar on population, development & disaster management. Presentation on 'Glacial Geomorphology and its response to environmental change in the upper Ravi basin of northwest Himalaya' (Presentation in Young Geographer competition and included in five top presentation)

      14. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 06-08 May 2011, Kozhikode, Kerala, India, 3rd International Geography Congress (IGC) Conference. Presentation on 'Digital elevation models and Geo- morphometry for studying glacier geomorphology and glaciations in the upper Ravi basin, Himachal Pradesh'

      15. Chand. P. and Acharya. P: 16-18 Dec 2010, ISPER, Haryana, India, International Seminar on Climate Change: Spatial Concerns and Mitigation Strategies. Presentation on 'Shoreline changes and Sea level Rise along the coast of Orissa, India: An analytical approach of remote sensing and Statistical Techniques'.

      16. Chand. P. and Ahalawat, K: 4-6 Oct 2010, ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal, International symposium on Benefiting from Earth Observation: Bridging the Data Gap for Adaptation to Climate Change in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan Region. Presentation on 'Above ground Phytomass and carbon estimation in Tree outside forest Using Remote Sensing'.

      National
      1.  Chand. P. 19-20, 2021 National webinar on “Recent trends in Geospatial Technology in Land Resources Mapping: Issues & Challenges” organized by Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi (India). Presentation on "Centennial scale glacier dynamics in Chandra-Bhaga basin North West Himalaya".

      2. Chand. P.: 21-22 April 2017, University of Delhi, India, National Seminar on Adaptation Updated on 1st March 2020 6 | P a g e implementation of Paris Agreement: National Initiatives towards “Climate Change Mission”. Presentation on ‘Assessment of permafrost areas and its response to climate warming using characteristics of Rock glaciers in the Himachal Himalaya, North-Western part of India’

      3. Chand. P. and Sharma. M.C: 26-27 Dec 2011, India Meteorological Department, New Delhi, India, National Conference on Satellite Meteorology (NCSM-2011). Presentation on 'Monitoring snow-covered area (SCA) and its variability in the Ravi basin of north-western Himalaya using MODIS data'.

      4. Chand. P. and Singh, I. J: 19-21 Nov 2010, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, National association of Geographers India (NAGI) conferences on Globalization, Population and Regional Development. Presentation on 'Analysis Spatial Temporal variability of apple orchards in response to environmental change in Pattan Valley, Himachal Pradesh using Geospatial Techniques'.

      Conference/ Workshops/Seminars Organised
      University Level
       
      National Level
       
      International Level

       

      Invited Talks/ Resource Person
      September, 2022. Dr. Chand Chair (In-charge) the session and delivered a presentation in National Seminar-Cum-First Annual Meet of Geographical Society of Himachal Pradesh (GSHP), organised by Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla from 23 to 24 September 2022.

      March 2022. Dr. Chand Co-Chair the session on Climate Change Adaptations and Sustainable Livelihood Strategies in International Conference on Climate Change, Natural Hazards & Sustainable Livelihoods (12-13 March 2022) organized by Department of Geography at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi.

      January, 2021. Dr. Chand invited as Resource person to deliver a scholarly presentation in the Refresher Course on ‘Geography and Earth Sciences’ (from 12 to 25 Jan 2022) HRDC, Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh (India).

      July, 2021. Dr. Chand invited to deliver a lecture on Cloud computing-based satellite data analysis to study Mountain Environment in Faculty Development Programme / Summer training on Climate Change analysis using R and Cloud Computation organised by Adamas University, India

      June, 2021. Dr. Chand invited to deliver lectures on "Glacier fluctuation since Little Ice Age in North-western Himalaya" in Research Colloquium of South Asia Institute, Department of Geography, Heidelberg University.

      March, 2021. Dr. Chand invited to deliver lectures on Emerging Techniques in the Field of Environmental and Earth Science in Short Term Course on 'Initiatives for Teaching-Learning Excellence in Environmental Studies' from 1-6 March 2021, under the Gyan-Ganga programme of Commissionerate, College Education, Rajasthan organized by Government Arts College, Sikar, Rajasthan (India).

      November, 2020. Dr. Chand invited to deliver lectures on Geographic Entities and Spatial Analysis in National Level Online Workshop on GIS jointly organized by Department of Geography, RPS College, Haryana (India) & South Asian Institute for Advanced Research & Development, Kolkata (India)

      August, 2020. Dr. Chand invited to deliver a lecture on Thermal remote sensing by Department of Applied Geography in Ravenshaw University, Odisha (India).

      June, 2020. Dr. Chand chaired a technical session titled as Covid-19 and Science & Education in a two day webinar jointly organised by Deptt. of Geography, CUP, Bathinda (India) & Deptt. of Geography, RPS College, Haryana (India).

      May, 2020: Dr. Chand invited to deliver a lecture on latest techniques in Geographical research in Faculty Development Programme organised by Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Haryana (India)

      March 2017: Chand. P. Infer the imprints of climate change from the Himalayan glaciers fluctuations since Little Ice Age (LIA), 18-19 March 2017, International Conference on Climate Change and Sustainable Development by GM University and OSO University, Sambalpur, Odisha, India.

      Nov 2015: Chand. P. The status of glaciers in the Himachal Pradesh, North-Western Himalaya (India): a review and specific examples, 6-8 Nov 2015 International conference on “Global environmental change in the Himalayan Region: Controversies, Impacts, Futures” by University of Heidelberg, in IHC, New Delhi, India.
      Patent Filed/ Published
      PATENT FILED
      PATENT PUBLISHED
      Citations

      Updated Citation is available at Google Scholar Profile and ResearchGate Profile

      Community Participation
      Program Officer, NSS Unit-3, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda
      Outreach activities across the different schools to aware students about the current Environmental Issues
      Curricular Development
      Developed Inter-disciplinary course on (GEO.512) Introduction to Climate Change
      Developed Ph.D. course work course on (GEO.709) Paleoclimatology
      Developed M.Sc./M.A. course work course on Glaciology
      e-Content Development
      Virtual Field Survey for Master's Student (Geo-533) (link: https://t.ly/YWgy)
      Google Classroom Tutorial for M.Sc/M.A. students
      Other Significant Achievements
      1. Member, Academic and Administrative Committee of Department of Geography, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
      2. Member, Curriculum Development Committee of Department of Geography, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
      3. Member (Invited), Board of Studies for Department of Geography, School of Environment and Earth Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
      4. Member, NAAC Criteria-2 committee, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda.
      5. Program Officer, NSS Unit-3, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda

      Research Field Expeditions:

      • Lahaul Himalaya: Bara-Shigri Glacier (2012, 2014), Chhota-Shigri Glacier (2012, (2009-Continue) 2013), Batal Glacier (2013), Samudari-Tapu Glacier (2012, 2013, 2014), Menthosa Glacier (2010, 2012, 2014, 2017-2018), Miyar Glacier (2012, 2014).
      • Ravi Basin: Shah Glacier (2010), Tapni Glacier (2010), Manimahesh Glacier (2010-2017) (2013-2017), Tal glacier (2013-2014), Laihas Glacier (2013- 2017), Kugti Glacier (2013-2017) and others unnamed glaciers.
      • Ladhak Himalaya: Khardung-La (2012) & many unnamed glaciers in eastern Karakoram.
      • Central/Eastern Himalaya: Gangotri Glacier (2014, 2017), Raktwan Glacier (2017), Himalaya (2014-2017) Satopanth (2012) Glacier, glaciers in Mana Valley (2012-2015).

      Research Field Expeditions

       

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