SANJAY PANDITA
In the illustrious realm of academia, where intellect meets innovation, few names shine as brightly as Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo. A distinguished scientist, a revered academician, and an influential policymaker, Prof. Romshoo has dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, the advancement of research, and the betterment of society. His contributions to hydrology, glaciology, remote sensing, and climate change studies have not only transformed the scientific landscape of the Northwestern Himalayas but have also significantly impacted global environmental policies.
Born in the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir on April 13, 1964, Prof. Romshoo embarked on a path of relentless intellectual pursuit early in life. His insatiable curiosity for the natural world led him to the prestigious University of Tokyo, Japan, where he earned a Ph.D. in Water Resources Engineering with sponsorship from the Asian Development Bank International. Prior to that, he had already distinguished himself by obtaining an M.S. in Remote Sensing and GIS from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand—a program where he was a recipient of the highly competitive Asian Development Bank International NORAD Fellowship.
His foundational studies were equally remarkable, as he pursued his B.S. with major in Hydrology and Watershed Management from Birsa University, Ranchi, India, securing the Gold Medal for his outstanding academic performance. His brilliance was recognized with the Outstanding Merit Scholarship, setting the tone for an illustrious career that would span decades and continents.
Over an extraordinary career spanning 37 years, Prof. Romshoo has held some of the most esteemed positions in academia and research. His journey has taken him across the world, where he has worked with leading scientific institutions, shaping the discourse on climate change, glaciology, water resource management, and environmental sustainability.
Scientist at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Tokyo: During his tenure, he contributed to cutting-edge research in remote sensing, satellite-based hydrological studies, and environmental monitoring, cementing his reputation as a global authority in geospatial sciences.
Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi: At one of India’s most respected think tanks, he played a crucial role in shaping sustainable development policies.
Dean of Research at the University of Kashmir: A position he held with great distinction, where he led research administration reforms to facilitate research, improve extramural spearheaded groundbreaking research project implementation s and nurtured a new generation of scholars.streamline funding processes. He spearheaded several Working Groups on critical societal issues, including climate change, disaster management and environmental monitoring, ensuring that academic research directly contributes to policymaking for societal impact.
Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir: Since August 16, 2021, Prof. Romshoohe has been leading this state university, infusing it with a culture of academic rigor, research innovation, and national and global collaborations. In a short span of less than four hours, he
has transformed IUST into a nationally recognized hub for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, earning accolades from the Ministry of Education, Government of India, which awarded the university a 4-star ranking for it excellence in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. His leadership in fostering academic excellence and cutting-edge research was acknowledged in the recent budget speeches of the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of J&K in the Legislature, reinforcing IUST’s growing stature in the country’s higher education landscape.
Under his leadership, IUST has introduced pioneering academic reforms, including the launch of new programs in emerging and disruptive technologies. His visionary leadership has propelled IUST into a leading institution for interdisciplinary research and skill development, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that bridges academia, industry, and policymaking.
Prof. Romshoo’s research portfolio is nothing short of phenomenal. With over 250 peer-reviewed publications, 20 book chapters, a book, 15 monographs, and 153 conference papers and keynotes, his work has received global recognition. His Google Scholar profile boasts an h-index of 47, an i10-index of 112, and an astounding citation count of more than 7,000—a testament to the profound impact of his research on the global scientific community. A widely travelled scholar, Prof. Romshoo has visited nearly 40 countries across all continents for his research endeavours. He currently serves on the Expert Panel of the UK’s NERC and Ireland’s Science Foundation, alongside several national scientific committees in India.
His expertise spans across hydrology, glaciology, climate change, and remote sensing, with a special focus on the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. He has led pioneering studies on:
His work on glacial retreat, snowmelt patterns, and permafrost degradation has provided invaluable insights into the Himalayan cryosphere’s vulnerability.
Hydrological Changes in the Indus Basin: A critical area of research with direct implications for transboundary water treaties, including the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) between India and Pakistan.
Remote Sensing Applications for Environmental Monitoring: He has extensively used GIS and satellite technology for disaster risk assessment, biomass estimation, and flood vulnerability studies.
A scientist of his stature is not just known for his research but also for the institutional legacies he builds. Among his most notable achievements is the establishment of the National Ice-Core Laboratory at the University of Kashmir, a ₹12 crore DST-funded project that has positioned India at the forefront of cryospheric research. Additionally, he has led the Centre of Excellence forin Glacial Studies in the Western Himalaya, a ₹10 crore initiative, further reinforcing his commitment to advancing high-altitude research in the Himalaya. Both initiatives have been funded under the National Missions set up under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aligning with the country’s strategic efforts to combat climate change and enhance resilience in vulnerable ecosystems in the country.
Prof. Romshoo’s outstanding contributions have been acknowledged through numerous national and international awards. Some of the most prestigious honors include:
Kasumigaura International Prize (2009, Government of Japan) – For groundbreaking research on nutrient loading in high-altitude lakes.
Best Research Award (2010, University of Kashmir) – Conferred by the then Governor of Jammu & Kashmir.
National Geoscience Award (2013, President of India) – One of India’s highest honors in Earth Sciences.
ISG President’s Appreciation Medal (2015, Indian Society of Geomatics) – For promoting geomatics in India.
Satish Dhawan Award (2019, ISRO-ISRS) – Recognizing lifetime contributions to remote sensing and GIS techniques.
Stanford University’s List of Top 2% Scientists Worldwide (2020-2024) – Featured consistently.
J&K Government State Award (2025, Republic Day) – For meritorious public service and contributions to higher education and research.
Beyond academia, Prof. Romshoo plays a pivotal role in shaping environmental policies at the state, national, and international levels. As a key member of various policymaking committees and working groups, he has provided expert guidance on:
Climate adaptation strategies for the Himalayas
Disaster management policies for flood-prone regions
Water resource conservation frameworks
Remote sensing applications for sustainable development
His scientific recommendations have been instrumental in national climate action plans and international treaties, ensuring that research translates into tangible policy outcomes.
A Family Rooted in Excellence
Behind this towering intellectual stands a strong family. Prof. Romshoo is married to Shaheena Kausar, an ardent lover of plants and a culinary enthusiast. Their children have inherited their father’s brilliance—Baseerat is a postdoctoral fellow in Atmospheric Physics at the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Germany, while Faisal is pursuing a Ph.D. in Pure Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, Canada.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo’s life and work stand as a beacon of inspiration for students, scientists, and policymakers alike. A man of unparalleled intellect, boundless dedication, and unyielding commitment, he has not only transformed the field of glaciology, hhydrology and remote sensing but has also laid the groundwork for future generations of scholars to build upon. He has guided 28 PhD scholars in various disciplines of earth and environmental sciences, with the knowledge outcome from these research works directly informing policymaking on various national and global issues such as climate change, water security, disaster management and environmental management. His leadership in advancing interdisciplinary research collaborations has enabled him and his students to contribute to addressing some of the most pressing global challenges.
As Head, Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Kashmir, Prof. Romshoo took the department to new heights, earning national recognition for its academic excellence. He was also the pioneer in establishing the Geoinformatics program at the University of Kashmir in 2006, the first such program in North India, setting a precedent for future academic initiatives in geo-spatial technologies in India.
Through his groundbreaking research, institutional leadership, and unwavering dedication to environmental sustainability, he has etched his name among the greatest scientific minds of our time. His journey is a testament to the power of knowledge, the impact of perseverance, and the eternal quest for truth—a journey that continues to shape the world, one discovery at a time.
The writer can be reached at sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com
