Neelesh Kulkarni
(Director)
Neelesh Kulkarni is a professional with a diverse range of experiences and expertise in the field of water management, policy making, Rural and urban development.
In Participatory Water Management, he has been very keen on various aspects including assessments, design, construction, supervision, rehabilitation, extension, operation, and maintenance (O&M). He has worked on grassroots projects that aim to engage local communities and stakeholders in the decision-making process and implementation of water management initiatives.
Mr. Kulkarni has contributed to the development of water management policies and guidelines at the national level, both in India and in other countries. He has been involved in shaping policies that govern water resource management and infrastructure projects, ensuring their alignment with the needs of various stakeholders, and play a significant role in providing support and capacity building to government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) across India.
This involves sharing knowledge, expertise, facilitation of training programs, and assistance in the implementation of water management initiatives.
He has designed and implemented various CSR initiatives related to water infrastructure and natural resource management and collaborated with various corporates to promote socially responsible initiatives that address water-related issues, challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Mr Kulkarni has worked immensely at the policy and research level in the application of electronics and information technology (IT) for social, media, and rural development in Pune, Mumbai, and New Delhi. This includes leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of development projects. He has also served as an advisor in the Ministry of Rural Development in New Delhi which focused on ‘strategies and approaches for sustainable watershed management’.
Mr Kulkarni brings a wealth of experience in water management, policy development, capacity building, and advisory roles at various levels. His expertise in participatory approaches, networking, and innovation in the water sector contributes to addressing water-related challenges and driving sustainable development initiatives further.