Sandesh Rai
Agricultural Engineer | Climate Change Researcher | Water Resources & Irrigation Specialist
Passionate about understanding how climate change influences water resources and agricultural systems. My research combines hydrological modeling, GIS, remote sensing, and climate science to develop sustainable solutions for irrigation management, water security, and climate-resilient agriculture. I am committed to supporting evidence-based policies and engineering innovations that strengthen agricultural resilience and sustainable development in Nepal.
About Me
Researcher dedicated to understanding and addressing climate change impacts on water resources in Nepal
MSc in Climate Change and Development from Pulchowk Campus, IOE, Tribhuvan University with strong academic foundation in climate science and water resources.
Specialized interest in climate change adaptation, hydrology, irrigation engineering, GIS, remote sensing, and water resource management.
Hands-on experience in climate data analysis, bias correction of climate projections, watershed modeling, and geospatial analysis using ArcGIS and QGIS.
Passionate about applying scientific research to solve real-world environmental challenges, particularly in the context of Nepal's water resources and agricultural systems.
Proficient in R programming for statistical analysis, data visualization, and climate data processing, with a focus on future climate scenario assessments.
An Agricultural Engineer focused on advancing sustainable agricultural mechanization and developing climate-adaptive technologies for resilient farming systems.
Education
Academic background in Climate Change, Agricultural Engineering, and Water Resources
Research Interests
Key areas I am passionate about and actively working in
Research & Projects
Key research projects focusing on climate change, water resources, and geospatial analysis
Chanda Mohana Irrigation Project
Assessment and analysis of the Chanda Mohana irrigation system, focusing on water resource management, canal efficiency, and agricultural productivity in the region. The study evaluated existing irrigation infrastructure and proposed improvements for sustainable water distribution to farmlands.
- •Field-based assessment of irrigation canal system and water flow measurements
- •Analysis of water availability and demand for agricultural lands
- •Evaluation of canal efficiency and seepage losses
- •Proposed sustainable water management strategies for local farmers
GIS-Based Watershed Delineation and Hydrological Analysis
Utilized Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and remote sensing data for watershed delineation and comprehensive hydrological analysis. The project involved processing DEM data, deriving stream networks, and analyzing catchment characteristics for water resource planning.
- •Watershed delineation using DEM and ArcGIS/QGIS tools
- •Stream network extraction and drainage analysis
- •Morphometric analysis of catchment area parameters
- •Hydrological modeling and runoff estimation
Temperature Bias Correction of GCM Outputs
Statistical bias correction of General Circulation Model (GCM) temperature outputs using various downscaling techniques. The study compared multiple GCMs and bias correction methods to improve the accuracy of future temperature projections for climate change impact assessment.
- •Comparison of temperature outputs from multiple GCMs
- •Application of statistical bias correction methods (e.g., Delta method, QM)
- •Analysis of historical vs. corrected future temperature projections
- •Evaluation of correction performance using statistical metrics
Hands-on Training on Climate Resilient Sustainable Farming Practices
Organized in Harisiddhi, Lalitpur with funding support from UNDP Nepal and Clean Energy Nepal. The training aimed to build capacity among local farmers to adapt neagtive impact of climate change through sustainable agricultural practices.
- •Train the farmers to cope with climate change
- •Train them and introduce them the climate resilient sustainable farming practices
- •Make them able to make organic fertilizer and reduce the chemical fertilizer which will hamper the health condition of farmers and environment
Skills
Technical and research competencies developed through academic and project work
Publications
Research papers and conference proceedings
Published
Applying the Clean Development Mechanism AMS-III.R Methodology to Pig Manure Management: A Case Study of Dharan, Nepal
Rai, S., & Chand, J.
International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews (IJRPR), 6(8), 4309–4316 (2025)
10.55248/gengpi.6.0825.3118Assessment of climate change impact on future water availability and irrigation demand: A case study of the Chanda Mohana Irrigation Project, Nepal
Rai, S., Chand, J., Acharya, D. R., Poudyal, K. N.
H2Open Journal, 9(4), 100039 (2026)
10.1016/j.htopen.2026.100039How crop water requirements are projected to change with climate change in Chandra Mohan Irrigation Project in Nepal
Rai, S., Chand, J., Poudyal, K. N., Ghimire, A.
Proceedings of IOE Graduate Conference (16th) (2025)
Experience & Training
Professional work, training programs, fellowships, and conferences
Freelancer
Professional ExperienceSelf-employed · Kathmandu, Nepal
Apr 2025 - Present
Working as a freelance technical consultant specializing in agricultural infrastructure design, including greenhouse structure design, drip irrigation system design, and cold storage design for post-harvest produce preservation.
Net Zero 101: What, Why and How
CertificationUnited Nations University, Institute for Advanced Study of Sustainability · Online
23 March 2026
Completed e-learning course on Net Zero concepts, covering the fundamentals of achieving net-zero emissions, strategies for carbon neutrality, and global sustainability frameworks.
International Conference 2026 on Agricultural Engineering & Climate Smart Agriculture
Workshop & ConferenceNSAE & iDE Nepal · Kathmandu, Nepal
5–6 February 2026
International Conference 2026 on Agricultural Engineering & Climate Smart Agriculture Participated in the International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Climate Smart Agriculture, focusing on innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture and climate resilience in Nepal.
The 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7)
Training & FellowshipUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) · Nairobi, Kenya
8–12 December 2025
The 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) Attended as a Youth Delegate at UNEA-7, engaging with global environmental policy discussions and representing youth perspectives on environmental governance and sustainability.
Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7)
Training & FellowshipUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) · Nairobi, Kenya
1–5 December 2025
Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7) Participated as a Youth Delegate at OECPR-7, contributing to preparatory discussions for UNEA-7 on global environmental policies and resolutions.
Youth Environmental Assembly 2025
Training & FellowshipThe Youth and Children Major Group, UNEP · Nairobi, Kenya
29–30 November 2025
Youth Environmental Assembly 2025 Attended as a Youth Delegate at the Youth Environmental Assembly 2025 held at UNEP Headquarters, engaging with youth climate activists and environmental leaders from around the world.
YECAP Nepal Shakers Fellowship 2025
Training & FellowshipUNDP & Youth Innovation Lab · Nepal
20–24 November 2025
YECAP Nepal Shakers Fellowship 2025 Selected for the YECAP Nepal Shakers Fellowship 2025, a 5-day intensive program focused on youth-led climate action, environmental advocacy, and sustainable development in Nepal.
Sustainability Literacy
Training & FellowshipThe British College & Global Compact Nepal · Nepal
4–15 August 2025
Completed a two-week Sustainability Literacy program covering sustainable development goals, corporate sustainability practices, and environmental stewardship frameworks.
Insurance Surveyor Training in Motor Portfolio
CertificationInsurance Institute of Nepal · Nepal
25 June 2025
Completed 3-day training program on insurance surveying for motor portfolio, covering assessment methodologies, claim evaluation, and risk analysis.
Workshop on Geographic Information System (QGIS)
Workshop & ConferenceTribhuvan University · Nepal
19 July 2024
Completed a 10-day intensive workshop on GIS using QGIS, covering spatial data analysis, cartography, remote sensing integration, and geospatial mapping techniques.
Computational Tools for Climate Science
Training & FellowshipNeuromatch Academy · Online
27 July 2024
Completed a 2-week intensive course covering Python programming, numerical methods, geospatial analysis (GIS), statistical and machine learning techniques for climate data, and scientific communication. Applied modern computational tools (Python, Jupyter, NetCDF) for climate and hazard modelling, data integration, and uncertainty analysis. Gained hands-on experience with large climate datasets, open-source geospatial tools, and reproducible workflows.
Agricultural Engineer Consultant
Professional ExperienceSimikot Gaupalika · Humla
5 June 2024
Consulting work for the purchase of agricultural mechanization equipment, including design of Technical Specification document.
Agricultural Engineer Consultant
Professional ExperienceChauri Deurali Rural Municipality · Kavrepalanchok
11 April 2024
Consulting work for the purchase of agricultural mechanization equipment, including design of Technical Specification document.
Agricultural Engineer Consultant
Professional ExperienceDordi Rural Municipality · Lamjung
1 July 2026
Consulting work for the purchase of agricultural mechanization equipment such as (Mini-Tiller, Coffee Pulper, Brush Cutter and Elctric Dryer), including design of Technical Specification document.
Technical Project Manager
Professional ExperienceShanta Consultants Pvt. Ltd. · Lalitpur, Nepal
Dec 2023 - Apr 2025
Led environmental assessments (IEE/EIA) for development and infrastructure projects. Conducted GIS-based spatial analysis and environmental mapping. Coordinated field data collection and environmental monitoring activities. Prepared technical reports and regulatory documentation for environmental compliance. Worked with multidisciplinary teams to integrate environmental safeguards into project planning.
Agricultural / Irrigation Engineer Consultant
Professional ExperienceNotion Engineering Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. · Dillibazaar, Kathmandu
Dec 2021 - Nov 2024
Provided consulting services for multiple irrigation projects including: Detail feasibility study of Kothway Majhi Sunkoshi Lifting ISP (5 ha.) in April 2024; Complete report for Chuwa Gaitarne ISP in Taplejung in January 2024; Detailed feasibility studies of Sisuwa Tatha Satisale Irrigation Sub-Projects in Terhathum in December 2021; Sector Kulo Irrigation Sub-Project (80 ha.) in Tehrathum in August 2023; Identification Studies of Irrigation Sub-projects under WRIDD, Taplejung in November 2024.
Achievements
Key accomplishments, conference participations, and academic milestones
Youth Delegate at UNEA-7
2025
Selected as a fully funded Youth Delegate to the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Engaged in global environmental policy discussions and represented youth perspectives on environmental governance and sustainability.
Youth Delegate at OECPR-7
2025
Selected as a fully funded Youth Delegate to the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR-7) at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Contributed to preparatory discussions and resolutions for UNEA-7 on global environmental policies.
Youth Delegate at Youth Environmental Assembly 2025
2025Selected as a fully funded Youth Delegate to the Youth Environmental Assembly 2025 held at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Engaged with youth climate activists and environmental leaders from around the world.
Paper Presentation at IOE Graduate Conference
2025Presented research paper titled "How crop water requirements are projected to change with climate change in Chandra Mohan Irrigation Project in Nepal" at the 16th IOE Graduate Conference.
Contact Me
Get in touch for collaboration, research inquiries, or project opportunities
Location
Dharan, Nepal