Team – Final Update

Our Team

We have a fantastic and supportive team which lay the foundation to which everything we stand for. 

Aditi Pandey
Head, Partnerships and Communication
Andrews Jacob
Senior Program Manager
Krishna Swaroop Konidena
Senior Program Manager and Incharge CFO
Regi Kollithadathil Joseph
Senior Manager Finance and Accounts
Rohini Pradeep
Senior Program Manager
Molly Dmello
Manager (Personnel and Administration)
Shamala S
Senior Engineering, Program
Girija R
Technical Expert
Yogish Lakshminarayana
Manager
Priya Sharma
Lead- Research and Capacity Building
Anushka Patodi
Associate Program Manager
Aparna Unni
Associate Program Manager
Irfan Ulla Shariff
Manager
Kaivalya Kunkala
Associate Program Manager
Kannan R
Senior Program Engineer
Darshan Nagaraj
Senior Associate, IT
Velkuru Madhu
Senior Associate, Draughting
Manoj Kumar T
Senior Associate, Finance
Prashantha Y K
Senior Associate - Finance & Accounts
Praveen Raje Urs
Senior Associate, Laboratory
Ramya B
Senior Laboratory Associate & Quality Manager
Kush Parashar
Consultant, Partnerships and Communications
Harita K P
Intern
Hemavathi M
Program Engineer
Vinaya P
Program Engineer
Manith G
Intern
Bhavya C R
Program Intern
Pavithra B
Program Associate
Deepa Pawar
Program Intern
Kavya G
Program Intern
Nandan B R (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
Diploma in Civil Engineering
JSS Polytechnic, Mysore
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Shri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore

Hobbies & Interests

Travelling
Watching Movies
Listening to Music
Nandan B R has a background in Civil Engineering. He began his academic journey with a Diploma in Civil Engineering, which provided a strong foundation in infrastructure and construction. He later completed a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He has developed an interest in sustainable development, water and sanitation, wastewater management, and the use of data and technology to support practical engineering solutions. Nandan is enthusiastic about gaining hands-on field experience and contributing to projects that promote environmental sustainability and improve community well-being.
Nandan B R
Program Intern
Ankitha Shanbhogue (Programme Associate)

🔗 LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/ankitha1995

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • M.Plan (Environmental Planning)

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

📚 Exploring heritage sites

Professional Profile

Ankitha Shanbhogue is an Environmental Planner with experience in sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and water and sanitation projects. Her work spans research, planning, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation, with a focus on developing context-specific and sustainable solutions.

She has contributed to projects that integrate environmental planning with sustainable urban development principles, supporting the design and implementation of resilient water, sanitation, and climate initiatives. Her work involves coordinating with stakeholders, conducting research and analysis, and contributing to project planning and execution.

Ankitha is passionate about integrating environmental planning with community-centric approaches to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities that address present and future environmental challenges.

Ankitha Shanbhogue
Programme Associate
Ankitha Shanbhogue (Programme Associate)

🔗 LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/ankitha1995

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • M.Plan (Environmental Planning)

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

📚 Exploring heritage sites

Professional Profile

Ankitha Shanbhogue is an Environmental Planner with experience in sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and water and sanitation projects. Her work spans research, planning, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation, with a focus on developing context-specific and sustainable solutions.

She has contributed to projects that integrate environmental planning with sustainable urban development principles, supporting the design and implementation of resilient water, sanitation, and climate initiatives. Her work involves coordinating with stakeholders, conducting research and analysis, and contributing to project planning and execution.

Ankitha is passionate about integrating environmental planning with community-centric approaches to create resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities that address present and future environmental challenges.

Niveditha M
Consultant, Communication
Pavithra K
Project Associate
Pavitra Kulkarni (Program Associate)

🔗 LinkedIn

View LinkedIn Profile

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • Master's in Planning (Environment)
  • Bachelor's in Architecture

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

📚 Watching Movies
✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Pavitra Kulkarni is an Architect and Planner with a specialization in Environmental Planning. She has been working as a Program Associate at CDD India since July 2024.

She contributes to projects focused on waterbody rejuvenation, urban and rural sanitation planning, and climate resilience. Her work involves supporting project planning, technical coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the development of sustainable, climate-resilient solutions for urban and rural environments.

With a multidisciplinary background in architecture and environmental planning, Pavitra is committed to creating sustainable, resilient, and community-focused infrastructure that promotes environmental conservation and improved quality of life.

Pradeep B Naikar
Program Engineer
Pradeep B Naikar (Program Engineer)

🔗 LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/in/pradeep-b-naikar

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.E. in Civil Engineering — Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering
  • Certified in Groundwater Management"Groundwater: Understanding and Managing Aquifers", ACWADAM, Pune

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

⚽ Sports
✏️ Sketching
✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Pradeep B Naikar is a Program Engineer with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering. He works on groundwater and water security projects, contributing to sustainable water resource management and nature-based solutions.

His work includes hydrogeological investigations and geophysical surveys using VES, PQWT, VLF, and IP techniques, along with DGPS surveying and groundwater prospect mapping to assess aquifer potential and groundwater resources. He supports aquifer recharge planning, watershed management, and water circularity initiatives as part of broader natural resource management and village transformation programmes.

Pradeep is involved in the design of used water management and groundwater recharge structures, preparing Good for Construction (GFC) drawings and Bills of Quantities (BOQ) using engineering software, while overseeing implementation and construction activities on site. He also utilizes GIS tools for spatial mapping and analysis to support project planning and decision-making.

His expertise includes project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, and coordinating field programmes to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes. He is also certified by ACWADAM, Pune in groundwater and aquifer management.

Reddi Gunasekhar Naidu
Program Intern
Sagnik Ghosh
Program Intern
Sagnik Ghosh (Program Intern)

🔗 LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagnik-ghosh-6834bb259/

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.Tech in Civil Engineering — Manipal Institute of Technology

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🏍️ Riding
✈️ Travelling
⚽ Sports
💹 Finance

Professional Profile

Sagnik Ghosh is a Civil Engineering undergraduate at the Manipal Institute of Technology with a strong interest in sustainable infrastructure, water resource management, wastewater treatment systems, and environmental engineering. He is passionate about understanding how engineering and technology can be leveraged to address real-world challenges and create sustainable solutions for the future.

His academic journey has enabled him to explore both the technical and practical aspects of infrastructure development while strengthening his analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. As a Program Intern at CDD India, he is gaining practical exposure to sustainable water and sanitation initiatives, contributing to technical projects and supporting environmental infrastructure development.

Beyond engineering, Sagnik has a keen interest in finance, stock markets, investing, and business strategy. He enjoys analysing companies, understanding market trends, and exploring how financial and strategic decisions shape industries and economies. By combining his interests in engineering, management, and finance, he aspires to build a career that bridges technical expertise with business acumen, enabling him to contribute to impactful and sustainable growth across industries.

Samiksha Verma
Program Associate
Samiksha Verma (Program Associate)

🔗 LinkedIn

View LinkedIn Profile

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • Master of Urban Infrastructure Planning (WASH Specialization)
    CEPT University, Ahmedabad (2024–2026)
  • Bachelor of Architecture
    National Institute of Technology Raipur (2018–2023)

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

✈️ Travelling and Exploring
📚 Reading Books
💃 Dancing
🎨 Creating DIY Projects

Professional Profile

Samiksha Verma is an emerging urban planning professional with a strong foundation in environmental planning, sustainable urban development, and climate resilience. As a Program Associate at CDD India, she contributes to projects focused on integrated urban water management, WASH, climate resilience, and sustainable environmental planning.

She previously completed an internship at the Indian Development Centre, where she contributed to Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) initiatives and supported stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities. Her academic work includes projects on stormwater management for stream revival, water supply accessibility in informal settlements, and a Directed Research Project (DRP) on developing a Climate Action Plan for Solid Waste Management in Ahmedabad.

Samiksha has been recognized for her innovation and technical capabilities, receiving the Gold Prize in the "Ideas for Urban Lakes" Competition (2026) organized by CWAS, and the First Prize in the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) Sustainable Futures Challenge 2025 at IFAT India. She is passionate about leveraging urban planning, GIS, and research to develop practical, sustainable, and resilient solutions for complex urban environmental challenges.

Shreyas S
R&D Intern
Shreyas S (R&D Intern)

🔗 LinkedIn

View LinkedIn Profile

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.E. In Civil Engineering
  • M.Tech In Environmental Engineering

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

✏️ Sketching
✍️ Writing Fiction
⚽ Playing Football

Professional Profile

I Am An Environmental And Civil Engineer With Experience In Environmental Research, Wastewater Management, Sanitation, WASH, And Sustainability. At CDD India, I Contribute To Research, Data Analysis, Technical Documentation, And Sustainable Environmental Solutions. I Am Passionate About Developing Practical, Science-Based Approaches That Improve Public Health, Resource Efficiency, And Environmental Resilience While Continuously Expanding My Technical Expertise.

Tejaswini SP Halyala
Program Engineer
Tejaswini SP Halyala (Program Engineer)

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.E. in Civil Engineering — BMS College of Engineering
  • Certified in Groundwater Management — "Groundwater: Understanding and Managing Aquifers" — ACWADAM, Pune
  • Certified in "IWRM Innovation and Sustainability" & "Innovative Approaches to Wastewater Treatment and Urban Resilience" — AIT, Bangkok

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🎵 Listening to Music
🎤 Singing
✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Tejaswini SP Halyala is a Civil Engineering professional with experience in groundwater management, Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), aquifer mapping, watershed management, and water security planning. She has contributed to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of water security, wastewater management, and sanitation initiatives across rural and semi-urban regions.

Her expertise includes hydrogeological investigations, groundwater recharge planning, greywater management, drainage network rectification, GIS-based analysis, monitoring well assessment, data management, and the preparation of detailed technical reports for government, CSR, and development sector projects.

Tejaswini has also contributed to the design and implementation of community-based groundwater conservation initiatives, greywater management systems, and WASH interventions in schools, aimed at improving water availability, sanitation, and strengthening local water governance. She is passionate about applying scientific and data-driven approaches to address water scarcity challenges and support sustainable development.

Byrareddy
Program Engineer
Nitin P Hosamani
Program Engineer
Nitin P Hosamani (Program Engineer)

🔗 LinkedIn

linkedin.com/in/nitin-hosamani-012654323

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • M.Tech in Environmental Engineering

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

📚 Reading books

Professional Profile

Joined CDD in June 2025 as a Program Intern, contributing to wastewater treatment, faecal sludge management, and research projects. Since July 2025, has been serving as a Program Engineer.

Vishnupriya Varanasi (Program Intern)

🔗 LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/vishnupriyavaranasi

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.Tech in Civil Engineering — Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering — Government Polytechnic College, Srikakulam

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🎵 Singing
💃 Dancing
🌍 Exploring Cuisines
✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Vishnupriya Varanasi is a Program Intern with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam. She is currently working in the field of water and sanitation infrastructure, contributing to projects related to Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), while gaining practical experience in sustainable sanitation planning and implementation.

She has developed expertise in the preparation of Good for Construction (GFC) drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and Bar Bending Schedules (BBS) using various engineering software and methodologies, strengthening her technical, estimation, and project execution capabilities.

Her professional experience also includes hands-on training in Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) surveying and participation in village drainage mapping projects, supporting data collection, spatial analysis, and infrastructure planning. With a strong interest in learning new technologies, engineering tools, and innovative approaches to environmental infrastructure, Vishnupriya continues to expand her expertise in wastewater management, surveying, mapping, engineering design, and sustainable development practices.

Siddanagouda Patil
Program Engineer
Jyothi Prasad
Program Engineer
Akhila CK
Program Engineer
Akhila CK (Program Engineer)

🔗 LinkedIn

View LinkedIn Profile

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • M.Tech in Environmental Engineering
  • B.E. in Civil Engineering
  • Certifications in Sustainability, Data Analysis & Machine Learning, and GHG Emission Measurement & Reporting

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🌍 Exploring New Places
🎵 Listening to Music
📖 Reading Books

Professional Profile

Akhila CK is an Environmental Engineer with a strong research foundation and academic grounding in water, sanitation, and environmental infrastructure. She draws on published work in life cycle assessment, urban climate resilience, and IoT-based environmental monitoring to inform practical solutions for water, sanitation, and sustainability challenges. She holds a deep interest in water and sanitation, and is driven to translate that interest into climate-resilient, on-ground solutions. Her academic path, a B.E. in Civil Engineering followed by an M. Tech in Environmental Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, has been shaped by a consistent thread: turning data and analysis into decisions that hold up on the ground. She has shared her research at national and international forums, and continues to build on that foundation with a sharp eye for sustainability, wastewater treatment, and climate-adaptive design. Grounded, curious, and detail-driven, She approaches every project as both a technical challenge and a chance to contribute to more resilient, climate-ready communities.

Vishnupriya Varanasi
Program Intern
Vishnupriya Varanasi (Program Intern)

🔗 LinkedIn

www.linkedin.com/in/vishnupriyavaranasi

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.Tech in Civil Engineering — Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering — Government Polytechnic College, Srikakulam

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🎵 Singing
💃 Dancing
🌍 Exploring Cuisines
✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Vishnupriya Varanasi is a Program Intern with a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Raghu Engineering College, Visakhapatnam. She is currently working in the field of water and sanitation infrastructure, contributing to projects related to Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), while gaining practical experience in sustainable sanitation planning and implementation.

She has developed expertise in the preparation of Good for Construction (GFC) drawings, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and Bar Bending Schedules (BBS) using various engineering software and methodologies, strengthening her technical, estimation, and project execution capabilities.

Her professional experience also includes hands-on training in Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) surveying and participation in village drainage mapping projects, supporting data collection, spatial analysis, and infrastructure planning. With a strong interest in learning new technologies, engineering tools, and innovative approaches to environmental infrastructure, Vishnupriya continues to expand her expertise in wastewater management, surveying, mapping, engineering design, and sustainable development practices.

Bhavya C R (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
B.E. in Civil Engineering
Coorg Institute of Technology, Ponnampet, Coorg
Workshop on Community WASH Promotion and Bio-Sand Filter
CAWST and WASH — Dindigul, Tamil Nadu (December 2025)

Hobbies & Interests

Reading mythology-based books
Listening to podcasts
Exploring different cuisines and local food cultures
Bhavya C R holds a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Civil Engineering from Coorg Institute of Technology, Ponnampet, Coorg. Currently working as a Program Intern under the Water Security Team, supporting the planning and implementation of projects related to drain rectification and drain corrections, Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS), and heat-resilient Project. Involves conducting site assessments, carrying out DGPS surveys, preparing technical drawings and Bills of Quantities (BOQ), supporting project execution, and contributing to sustainable water management and environmental infrastructure initiatives.
Deepa Pawar (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Government Polytechnic For Women, Hubli
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering
Shri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore

Hobbies & Interests

Travelling
Learning New Languages
Dancing & Listening to Music
Deepa Pawar has a background in both Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her academic journey began with a Diploma in Civil Engineering, which provided a strong foundation in infrastructure and construction, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, where she developed a keen interest in sustainable development, environmental management, GIS applications, and climate change. She is particularly interested in water and sanitation, wastewater management, and the use of environmental data and technology to support sustainable solutions. Deepa is enthusiastic about learning through field experiences and contributing to initiatives that promote environmental and community well-being.
Haritha K P (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
M.Tech In Environmental Engineering
Government Engineering College, Thrissur
B.Tech In Civil Engineering
Government Engineering College, Kozhikode

Hobbies & Interests

Traveling
Reading
Watching Movies
Photography
Environmental Engineer With One Year Of Hands-On Experience In The Water And Wastewater Management Sector, Specializing In The Design, Drawing Preparation, Estimation, And DPR Development For Used-Water Management Projects With A Focus On Nature-Based Solutions. Holds An M.Tech In Environmental Engineering And Possesses Strong Technical Expertise In Water Quality Assessment, Spatial Analysis, And Environmental Planning. Experienced In Conducting Comprehensive Water Quality Studies Using ArcGIS For Spatial Mapping And Data Analysis. Gained Practical Exposure To Wastewater Treatment Processes Through Internships At Multiple Sewage Treatment Plants In Kerala. Additionally, Has Experience In Social Media Management And Content Creation For Engineering Upskilling Programs And Technical Examination Preparation, Combining Technical Knowledge With Effective Communication And Outreach Skills.
Hemavathi M (Program Engineer)
Educational Qualifications
B.E. in Civil Engineering
G. Pulla Reddy Engineering, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh)

Hobbies & Interests

Cooking
Listening Music
Watching Films
Travelling
Hemavathi is a Civil Engineer working as a Program Engineer at CDD since November 2024. She is involved in the planning, design, technical drawing, and implementation of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS). She has experience in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), process design, hydraulic calculations, cost estimation, and technical documentation for sanitation and wastewater infrastructure projects. She has also participated in field investigations, data collection, and site assessments, supporting the successful planning and implementation of sustainable sanitation solutions.
Reddi Gunasekhar Naidu (Program Intern)

🔗 LinkedIn

https://linkedin.com/in/gunasekharnaidu

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.Tech in Civil Engineering – Raghu Engineering College
  • Certification in Project Delivery Methods and Contracts in Project Management
  • Professional Diploma in Business Project Management
  • NPTEL Certification in Basic Construction Materials

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

🌍 Exploring New Places
🏗️ Contech Quest
🎤 Public Speaking and Event Management

Professional Profile

Reddi Gunasekhar Naidu is a Civil Engineer with practical experience in construction supervision, quantity estimation, quality control, and infrastructure development. He has worked on residential buildings, roads, drainage systems, and municipal infrastructure projects, gaining hands-on experience in site execution, engineering surveys, project planning, construction monitoring, and technical documentation.

As a Program Intern at CDD India, he is involved in field assessments, topographical surveys, infrastructure planning, feasibility studies, data analysis, and the preparation of technical reports. He contributes to project planning, quantity estimation, engineering documentation, site monitoring, and the development of sustainable infrastructure solutions that support resilient communities.

His professional interests include infrastructure planning, construction management, urban development, and engineering project execution, with a strong commitment to delivering practical, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure solutions for community development.

Areas of Expertise

  • Construction Supervision
  • Quantity Estimation and Costing
  • Quality Control and Assurance
  • Site Engineering and Monitoring
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Project Planning and Coordination
Irfan Ulla Shariff (Program Manager)
Educational Qualifications
MSc in Advanced Water Management
Cranfield University, United Kingdom (IWA & Cranfield Excellence Scholar)
M.Tech in Environmental Engineering
B.M.S. College of Engineering, VTU, Bengaluru
B.E. in Civil Engineering
University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bengaluru

Hobbies & Interests

Travelling and exploring new places
Experiencing diverse cuisines as a food enthusiast
I am a WASH and climate resilience practitioner with over 11 years of professional experience in programme management, climate risk and vulnerability assessments, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM), DEWATS, FSTPs, urban sanitation, and waterbody rejuvenation. Currently, I serve as Program Manager at CDD India, where I lead and manage CSR and consultancy projects focused on climate-resilient sanitation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable urban water management. At CDD India my work involves project planning and execution, donor and stakeholder engagement, technical advisory support, capacity building, and programme monitoring. I have successfully led climate-resilient WASH initiatives, nature-based wastewater treatment projects, and urban sanitation programmes across India, working closely with government agencies, development partners, and local communities to deliver sustainable and inclusive solutions.
Kavya G (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
B.E. in Civil Engineering
Coorg Institute of Technology, Halligattu, Ponnampet

Hobbies & Interests

Sports
Writing
Travelling
Listening Music & Dancing
Kavya G holds a B.E. in Civil Engineering from Coorg Institute of Technology, Halligattu, Ponnampet and is currently working as a Program Intern. In this role, she supports project planning and design, technical drafting, and coordination activities for infrastructure and environmental engineering projects. She is actively involved in projects related to Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) and DEWATS (Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems), contributing to the preparation of detailed engineering and structural drawings to support project design and implementation. Her work includes developing layout plans, structural drawings, construction drawings, and Good for Construction (GFC) drawings, ensuring that designs are accurate, practical, and aligned with project requirements. She works closely with engineers and project teams to translate design concepts into detailed technical drawings and incorporate project requirements into engineering designs. She is proficient in technical drafting, detailed drawing preparation, and structural drawing development, contributing to the successful delivery of sustainable water, sanitation, and environmental infrastructure projects through her attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Velkuru Madhu (Technical Team)
Educational Qualifications
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Karnataka State Open University

Hobbies & Interests

Watching Cricket
Travelling to different places
Madhu is a civil engineer with 22 years of experience in drafting field, focusing on 2D and 3D drawings for Residential & Commercial buildings, Industrial structures, Plumbing and Electrical. He has done his Diploma in Civil Engineering from Karnataka state open University. Madhu joined the technical team of CDD Society in 2018, since then he has been contributing on the design of wastewater treatment structures such as DEWATS and FSTP's. He is passionate to watch cricket and likes to travel to different places.
Manoj Kumar T (Senior Finance Associate)
Educational Qualifications
B.Com
Calicut University
PG Diploma in WASH
Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Hobbies & Interests

Listening Music
Watching Movies
Working as a Senior Finance Associate in CDD from 2018 onwards. Having more than 20 years of experience in Accounting & Finance. Prior to this organisation worked with different IT companies and Service industries. Experiences in the areas of Financial Accounting, Receivables & Payables Management, Inventory Accounting and audit coordination etc.
Nandan B R (Program Intern)
Educational Qualifications
Diploma in Civil Engineering
JSS Polytechnic, Mysore
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
Shri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, Mysore

Hobbies & Interests

Travelling
Watching Movies
Listening to Music
Nandan B R has a background in Civil Engineering. He began his academic journey with a Diploma in Civil Engineering, which provided a strong foundation in infrastructure and construction. He later completed a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He has developed an interest in sustainable development, water and sanitation, wastewater management, and the use of data and technology to support practical engineering solutions. Nandan is enthusiastic about gaining hands-on field experience and contributing to projects that promote environmental sustainability and improve community well-being.
Niveditha M (Consultant, Communication)
Educational Qualifications
B.E. in Computer Science
PG Diploma in WASH
Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Hobbies & Interests

Reading Books
Niveditha is a software engineer by education and a development and sustainability professional with over a decade of experience in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), solid waste management, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), community engagement, capacity building, livelihood promotion, and project coordination. She has worked with reputed organizations including UNICEF, The/Nudge Foundation, Grasim Jana Seva Trust, Head Held High Foundation, Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), and Saahas, contributing to a wide range of social and environmental development initiatives. Her expertise spans stakeholder engagement, training and facilitation, project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, communications, reporting, documentation, and content development. Over the years, she has played a key role in implementing CSR programs, community development initiatives, waste management projects, youth skilling interventions, and sustainability-focused programs across both rural and urban settings. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, Niveditha is an experienced trainer in Solid Waste Management and Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM). She has conducted numerous awareness, training, and capacity-building programs for communities, adolescent girls, and women, promoting sustainable waste management practices, menstrual health, and environmentally responsible alternatives. With extensive field experience in community engagement and WASH programs, she is dedicated to empowering communities and driving positive behavioural change through participatory, inclusive, and sustainable approaches.
Aditi Pandey (Senior Manager)
Educational Qualifications
TISS Postgraduate
Oxford NBS
UPenn

Hobbies & Interests

Traveling
Reading
Painting
Gardening
Aditi Pandey currently heads Partnerships and Communication at CDD India. She comes with extensive experience of about 15 years in domains of environment and social issues. A trained social worker from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, she has been influential in forging strategic partnerships across various stakeholders, including public, private, multilaterals and non-profit organisations. These partnerships have resulted in creating impact on ground. In the last six years her interest in the domain of water and climate change and its interconnectedness with gender and social equality has led her to design some of the most unique programs along with securing partners and resources. She is one of the very few trained Indians who has studied Nature Based Solutions from Oxford and currently all her work and solutions take the approach with support from CDD India, which is a pioneer of Nature Based Solutions and DEWATS in India. She holds two postgraduate degrees from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai specialising in Globalisation and Labour Studies and Mass Communication in Community Media.
Andrews Jacob (Project Manager)
Educational Qualifications
M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences
PG Diplomas in Remote Sensing, GIS & Wastewater Treatment
Certificates from CEPT and AIT Bangkok

Hobbies & Interests

Exploring New Places
Listening to Music
Cooking
Watching Films
Andrews Jacob brings over 20 years of expertise in the water sector, specializing in planning and implementing nature-based solutions for wastewater management, faecal sludge management, waterbody rejuvenation, and integrated urban water and natural resource systems. With a strong focus on climate change resilience, he has led diverse projects across India and internationally. His core competencies span project design, business model development, stakeholder engagement, M&E, and capacity building. Andrews holds an M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and multiple postgraduate diplomas in Remote Sensing & GIS and Water & Wastewater Treatment. He is also certified in Urban Infrastructure Planning (CEPT University) and Faecal Sludge Management (AIT Bangkok). Currently, he is driving initiatives in blue-green infrastructure to advance climate-adaptive urban and rural systems.
Krishna Swaroop Konidena (Senior Project Manager)
Krishna Swaroop Konidena is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in urban water management and environmental planning. His expertise spans across water resource management, wastewater treatment, and sustainable urban development. He has successfully led numerous projects focusing on integrated water resource management, water conservation, and capacity building initiatives. With a strong technical background and project management skills, he has contributed significantly to policy formulation and implementation in the water sector.
Regi Kollithadathil Joseph (Senior Manager, Finance)
Educational Qualifications
PGCBF from IIM Tiruchirappalli
MCA from NIE
B.Com from Calicut University
Certified Finance Manager (CFM) from NIM

Hobbies & Interests

Playing Chess
Reading Books
Writing
Over 20 years of proven success as a leader in Finance, Operations, Supply Chain, Human Resources, and Technology across diverse industries and operational settings with a wide global reach, market presence, and community impact. Extensive experience includes finance transformation and change management, covering finance, accounting, internal controls, people management, governance, grants, contracts, and project management, from highly unstructured environments to advanced, technology-driven settings.
Rohini Pradeep (Senior Program Manager)
Educational Qualifications
Master's in Sanitation Science, Engineering, and Management
B.E. in Environmental Engineering
Diploma in Industrial Safety
CEPT & AIT certified in environmental planning and FSM

Hobbies & Interests

Cooking
Travelling
Spending Quality Time with Family
Rohini Pradeep is an Environmental Engineer with a specialization in the sanitation sector, bringing over 17 years of experience to the field. She currently represents South Asia on the SuSanA Global Steering Committee and is a member of the IWA Lakes and Water Reservoir Expert Committee. At CDD India, she leads Used Water Management and Research & Development, while also heading the NABL-accredited in-house laboratory. Her work involves overseeing the design, implementation, and operation & maintenance of numerous DEWATS™, waterbody rejuvenation initiatives, and faecal sludge treatment systems across India. Rohini actively contributes to capacity-building programs in various roles, and is also involved in business development and stakeholder management across projects.
Molly D'Mello (Manager - Personnel and Administration)
Educational Qualifications
MBA (Human Resources)
Bachelor's in Business Management (BBM)

Hobbies & Interests

Enjoys Music
Spending Quality Time with Family
Molly brings over 20 years of experience in the development sector, with a strong focus on office administration and personnel management. Since joining CDD India in 2010, Molly has played a vital role in streamlining administrative operations and supporting human resource functions across the organization. Her work spans recruitment, employee engagement, office systems, and operational efficiency—ensuring a supportive and organized environment that enables the team to thrive. Molly believes deeply in the untapped potential of every individual, and she is passionate about building a workplace culture where people feel empowered, valued, and inspired.
Shamala S (Consultant - Engineering)
Educational Qualification
Diploma in Civil Engineering

Personal Interests

Innovative Design Ideas
Shopping
Traveling with Family
Old Hindi Songs
Cooking New Recipes
Shamala S brings over 25 years of experience in Civil Engineering and more than 22 years of specialized experience in the wastewater sector for design & implementation of STPs/FSTPs. She is currently working with CDD India as Lead – Quality Assurance, where she is responsible for assessing the quality of deliverables across projects. Shamala has been associated with CDD India for over 15 years in various capacities, including her previous role as Project Coordinator, where she played a key role in managing team along with design and implementation of DEWATS and FSTP projects. She has contributed to the implementation of more than 300 DEWATS projects, and was involved in setting up the Devanahalli FSTP, as a demonstration project.
Girija Ramakrishna (Technical Expert - Reuse and Circularity)
Educational Qualifications
B.Sc. in Agriculture
PG Diploma in Agribusiness and Plantation Management

Hobbies & Interests

Daily Mindfulness
Nature Walks
Reading
Music
Girija Ramakrishna is a development professional and research scholar, currently serving as Technical Expert (Reuse and Circularity) at CDD India, Bengaluru. She has over a decade of experience in resource recovery and reuse of used water, faecal and sewage sludge, municipal waste, and soil and water conservation. Her work spans research, policy, and implementation in sustainable sanitation and agriculture within a circular economy framework. She previously worked with the Foundation for Ecological Security on sustainable agricultural practices. Girija represents India on the Management Committee of the International Water Association's Resource-Oriented Sanitation Specialist Group. Her work was featured in CGTN America's Zero Hour during COP26. She received the Bright Polestar and Innovative Polestar Team Awards from Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC) at COP27 and served as a Global Youth Ambassador for Climate Action.
Yogish Lakshminarayana (Technical Expert)
Yogish Lakshminarayana works as a Technical Expert at CDD India since July 2017 in the Sanitation sector. His work includes construction monitoring and designing of wastewater and fecal sludge treatment plants, and capacity building at the community levels towards sanitation and waste management. Prior to joining CDD India, he worked with Samrudh Architects & Interior Designers as a Project Engineer.
Priya Sharma (Lead - Research and Capacity Building)
Priya Sharma is a research leader with over 10 years of expertise in sustainable water and sanitation solutions, currently heading Research and Capacity Building at CDD India. She has pioneered research on natural coagulants for water treatment, hybrid DEWATS systems, and advanced disinfection technologies. She has made significant contributions to national programs including MoHUA's Jal Hi Amrit initiative, STP performance benchmarking, and COVID-19 wastewater surveillance. Her published research covers microbial fuel cells, sludge dewatering techniques, and pharmaceutical removal technologies. She is also an active participant in innovation platforms like INK@WASH and develops technical proposals and research articles. Priya's work bridges cutting-edge research with practical implementation, driving innovation in India's WASH sector.
Anushka Patodi (Associate Program Manager)
Anushka is an architect and planner with a specialization in infrastructure. She works as a Project Associate at CDD India since June 2022. Prior to this she has worked as an architectural intern at Green Space Alliance, Pune and Noorani Architect, Ahmedabad for a year. Her role in CDD India includes urban sanitation planning, feasibility studies (particularly water and sanitation, public health services).
Aparna Unni (Associate Program Manager)
Currently APM at CDD, Aparna is a water policy and governance professional having experience working both in the rural and urban contexts in multiple states and geographic terrains in India. She has explored different aspects of the water sector including water security in rural areas, water quality, WASH in flood-prone terrains, recurring water-related disasters, community-managed water resources and FSSM.
Irfan Ulla Shariff (Program Manager | WASH, Climate Resilience & Nature-Based Solutions)

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • MSc in Advanced Water Management, Cranfield University, United Kingdom
    • IWA & Cranfield Excellence Scholar
    • Thesis: Measuring the Benefits of Sustainable Global Sanitation
  • MTech in Environmental Engineering, B.M.S. College of Engineering, VTU, Bengaluru
    • Thesis: Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in and around Mavallipura Region Using GIS
  • BE in Civil Engineering, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bengaluru
    • Thesis: Analysis, Design and Detailing of a Multi-Storey Building

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

Travelling and exploring new places, experiencing diverse cuisines as a food enthusiast.

Professional Profile

I am a WASH and climate resilience practitioner with over 11 years of professional experience in programme management, climate risk and vulnerability assessments, Nature-based Solutions (NbS), faecal sludge and septage management (FSSM), DEWATS, FSTPs, urban sanitation, and waterbody rejuvenation.

Currently, I serve as Program Manager at CDD India, where I lead and manage CSR and consultancy projects focused on climate-resilient sanitation, wastewater treatment, and sustainable urban water management.

At CDD India, my work involves project planning and execution, donor and stakeholder engagement, technical advisory support, capacity building, and programme monitoring. I have successfully led climate-resilient WASH initiatives, nature-based wastewater treatment projects, and urban sanitation programmes across India, working closely with government agencies, development partners, and local communities to deliver sustainable and inclusive solutions.

Kaivalya Kunkala (Associate Program Manager)
Current role: APM at CDD. Previously served as Junior Architect at Dutta Kannan Architects (2018–2019), involved in conceptualization, schematic drawings, good-for-construction drawings, critical details, service and vendor coordination, site execution and client coordination. Proficient in AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Photoshop.
Kannan R (Senior Program Engineer)
Professional Journey
Senior Program Engineer at CDD India (2021–Present)
Consultant - RDWSD, Govt. of Karnataka (2020–2021)
Engineering Associate - CPRI (2014–2020)
Site Engineer - Garuda Construction (2012–2013)
Kannan R is an accomplished Senior Program Engineer with diverse experience across construction, power research, and government water projects. He has led engineering programs at CDD India since 2021, provided technical consultancy to Karnataka's Rural Drinking Water & Sanitation Department, and spent 6 years in research at the Central Power Research Institute. His multifaceted engineering background brings valuable technical perspective to CDD India's programs and initiatives.
Darshan Nagaraj (Senior Associate – IT)
Darshan is a dedicated IT professional with over a decade of experience in system administration and infrastructure management. He has been an integral part of CDD India since 2015, currently serving as Senior Associate – IT. With certifications from Microsoft and Apple, Darshan has strong expertise in managing IT environments across both Windows and macOS platforms. His responsibilities include maintaining server infrastructure, ensuring system performance and availability, managing networks, and supporting both physical and virtual IT environments. Known for his problem-solving abilities and hands-on approach, Darshan ensures smooth IT operations and supports the organization's digital infrastructure with reliability and professionalism.
Velkuru Madhu(Senior Associate, Draughting)
Senior Associate in Draughting at CDD India.
Prashantha Y.K. (Senior Associate, Finance)
Working at CDD India for 11+ years. Has over 16 years of experience in NGO accounting. Previously worked at SAMUHA SAMRAKSH as Accountant. Extensively experienced in statutory work, accounting, audit, billing, utilization certificates, CSR grants, and customer support. Also handles procurement (purchase and services). In-depth knowledge of general ledgers, accounts receivable and payable, invoicing, collections, and more.
Praveen Raje Urs (Senior Associate, Laboratory)
Praveen joined CDD in July 2017 and is presently working as a Laboratory Senior Associate, managing and maintaining the laboratory activities. Before joining CDD, Praveen worked at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment as a Research Associate for 4 years.
Kush Parashar (Consultant – Designer)
Kush brings over 10 years of experience in VFX, video editing, motion graphics, and storytelling. He has worked with brands like Wacom India and Sunovatech, and his work has won awards for short films (Viewer's Choice at 24fps, Best Camera Angles at Jaipur Film Festival). He has also taught VFX at UPES Dehradun. Proficient in Premiere Pro, After Effects, Maya, Blender, and Houdini, he loves turning creative chaos into compelling visuals.
Hemavathi M (Program Engineer)

🎓 Educational Qualifications

  • B.E. In Civil Engineering – G. Pulla Reddy Engineering, Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh)

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

  • Cooking
  • Listening Music
  • Watching Films
  • Travelling

👨‍💼 Profile

Hemavathi Is A Civil Engineer Working As A Program Engineer At CDD Since November 2024. She Is Involved In The Planning, Design, Technical Drawing, And Implementation Of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) And Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS).

She Has Experience In Preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), Process Design, Hydraulic Calculations, Cost Estimation, And Technical Documentation For Sanitation And Wastewater Infrastructure Projects. She Has Also Participated In Field Investigations, Data Collection, And Site Assessments, Supporting The Successful Planning And Implementation Of Sustainable Sanitation Solutions.

Pradeep (Program Engineer)
Program Engineer at CDD India.
Vinaya P (Program Engineer)

🔗 LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinay-p-384276235/

🎓 Educational Qualification

  • B.E. in Civil Engineering — Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering

❤️ Hobbies & Interests

⚽ Sports    🏍️ Riding    ✈️ Travelling

Professional Profile

Vinaya P is a Program Engineer with a background in Civil Engineering and experience in integrated water resource management, waterbody rejuvenation, and Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS). His work focuses on planning and implementing nature-based solutions that support water circularity, sustainability, and long-term environmental resilience.

Vinaya has contributed to the design and execution of waterbody rejuvenation and used water treatment initiatives, including DEWATS treatment systems, while supporting project implementation and coordination across multidisciplinary teams. He has also represented and presented organizational initiatives at industry forums and stakeholder platforms, strengthening external engagement and partnerships.

As part of his professional contributions, he presented a research paper at the International Conference on Nature-Based Solutions for Water Circularity and Sustainability, showcasing innovative approaches and practical insights in sustainable water management.

He has actively participated in multiple client meetings, facilitating technical discussions and project alignment. His skill set includes project planning and execution, technical reporting, stakeholder engagement, monitoring and evaluation, and coordinating field programs to ensure effective implementation and measurable impact.