About Us - Core Team - Environmental Management Centre Pvt. Ltd.

Whats is so special about us

At EMC, the organizational structure is meticulously designed to nuture expertise, innovation, and growth in environmental management consulting. Our team comprises of a dedicated Core Team, a network of Associates, and a dynamic group of Interns, including participants in our Young Professionals Program (YPP) coming together to provide environmental solutions.

EMC CORE TEAM

The Multidisciplinary Arsenal

The Core Team at EMC is a dynamic blend of experts from diverse disciplines, bringing together a wealth of experience, innovation and strategic thinking. Our team consists of environmental scientists and engineers and environmental planners with a minimum of master’s qualification. The team undergoes both internal and external training and certification programs to stay updated.Graduating from prestigious international universities and industry-recognized certifications, the team ensures the highest standards are delivered. Team EMC function as a closely knit family, collaborating seamlessly to grow.

EMCians

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Dr. Prasad Modak

Managing Director – Environmental Management Centre Pvt. Ltd.

Director – Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation

Prasad Modak holds B Tech (Civil Engg), M Tech (Environmental Science and Engg) from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and Doctor of Engg (Environmental Engg) from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok.

Dr Modak was a Professor at the Centre for Environmental Science & Engineering at IIT Bombay (1984-1994) and later a Professor (Adjunct) at the Center for Technology Alternatives in Rural Areas (CTARA) (2009-2017). He is currently the Managing Director of Environmental Management Centre Pvt Ltd. (www.emcentre.com) and Director of Ekonnect Knowledge Foundation (www.ekonnect.net). He is also a Visiting Professor in Practice at Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics, London, UK.

Dr Modak has worked with almost all key UN, multi-lateral and bi-lateral developmental institutions worldwide. These include the World Bank, IFC, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), European Investment Bank (EIB), UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNDP, DFID (UK), etc and intergovernmental organisations such as the Asian Productivity Organization, Tokyo. Apart from the Government of India and various State Governments, Dr Modak’s advice is sought by the Governments of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Mauritius, Thailand and Vietnam.

Dr Modak was a member of the Indian Resources Panel (IRP) and a member of the Advisory Committee on G20 India Presidency on Circular Economy at the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Currently is a Member of the Task Force on Sustainable Public Procurement at the Ministry of Finance. He also chairs the Product Advisory Committee at the NCDEX on the launch of its Carbon Trading Platform.

Dr Modak has extensively worked on Environmental and Social Safeguards at both Development and Private Financing Institutions, set up Environmental and Social Management Systems for Funds and conducted Environmental and Social Due Diligence for portfolio companies. Amongst his numerous projects with ADB, he worked on ADB’s Safeguard Policy Update (SPU) in 2009 and more recently provided assistance in the ongoing SPU update. He was also a senior environmental and social consultant to AIIB over a year.

Dr Modak has published several journal articles, chapters and books on environmental management. His book on EIA for Developing Countries was published by UN University (1999) and then reprinted by Oxford University Press (2005). Later, this book was translated into Chinese and Japanese. His book “Environmental Management Towards Sustainability” was published in December 2017 with CRC Press of Taylor and Francis Group. His latest book on Practicing Circular Economy for the CRC Press was released in June 2021. One of his recent coauthored publication is Financing Just Transition in India supported by British International Investment.

Dr Modak has received several awards and recognitions; his name has been listed in Marquis Who’s since 2008. He has been recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award of AITAA in 2010 for Significant Contribution to International Affairs. In 2011, Dr Modak was elected by the American Association of Environmental Engineers as Board Certified Environmental Engineering Member for his work in Research, Teaching and Professional Practice. More recently, he was invited to become a member of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism, which hosts the most comprehensive public platform of private sector actions aimed at profitably creating value for everyone. In 2023, he was bestowed a Life Time Achievement Award by the Indian International Conference on Air Quality Management

Visit www.linkedin.com/in/prasadmodak for Dr Modak’s detailed profile. Dr Modak publishes his blogs regularly, which can be accessed at https://prasadmodakblog.com/.

Dr Modak can be reached at prasad.modak@emcentre.com.

Why Dr. Prasad Founded EMC:

For a person like me who always wanted to be involved in multiple roles and enjoy wearing different hats, EMC was another important “experiment”. However, EMC remained close to my heart. It became my identity. I always looked at Team EMC as if it was a master’s class of students I used to teach at the Indian Institute of Technology. So, the consulting work EMC did, was by a Professor of Practice and the Team.

Krupa Desai

Associate Vice President

Krupa is a qualified professional with a strong background in climate change and sustainability. She has a Master’s degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from CEPT University in India and a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from SCET, Surat, India. Additionally, she also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Urban Management Tools for Climate Change from Institute for Housing and Urban Studies (IHS), Erasmus University, The Netherlands.

Krupa’s expertise in climate change is further reinforced by her certifications in ISO 14064-1 and 3 for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as in ISO 14090 for adaptation to climate change. She has worked at Purdue University in the USA for three months under an international exchange program at EMC on climate change risk assessment for urban areas.

Krupa has a decade of experience in climate change vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assessments at financial institutions and the reality industry. She has led climate vulnerability-related advisory services and worked on GHG inventorization and decarbonization plans for several industries and cities. In addition, Krupa was in charge for the development of the Urban Ecosystems Management Toolkit (https://the.akdn/en/resources-media/resources/publications/urban-ecosystems-management-toolkit) for Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH). Krupa also assisted in the development of the Green City Action Plan for Melaka, Malaysia that was funded by the Asian Development Bank.

Krupa manages EMC’s business with climate-focused funds, reality funds and serves as a focal point for international firms with whom EMC has Master Service Agreements for the conduct of Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDDs).

Outside of her professional work, Krupa is a trained classical dancer and is passionate about art and design while cherishing an affinity for the science of meditation.

Why I am with EMC?

EMC offers a work culture defined by transparency, support, and collaboration, which is essential for fostering personal growth and development. My professional and ethical values of integrity and transparency align seamlessly with those of EMC, creating a nurturing environment conducive to both individual and collective advancement.

Being a part of EMC enables me to collaborate with individuals possessing diverse skills and backgrounds, enriching my own skill set and broadening my perspective. I have been given opportunities to lead projects, engage with clients, and develop leadership skills in the field of Climate Change and Sustainability. These opportunities empower me to create a significant impact on the environment and society, a responsibility that I find deeply meaningful and fulfilling.

Megha Roy

Senior Social Development Specialist

Megha Roy is a social scientist and development practitioner with over three years of experience in environmental and social consulting, with a particular focus on land acquisition, labour welfare, and community engagement. She works across a range of infrastructure and renewable energy projects in India, supporting both Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) and Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDD). She brings expertise in legal and investor safeguard assessments of land leasing, sale, and acquisition processes, and has led field-based land and social audits in multiple Indian states. Megha has also been involved in human rights due diligence and supply chain assessments, and has contributed to risk identification, mitigation, and management in line with investor-specific E&S requirements. Her work also includes preparing livelihood restoration and gender action plans, with a strong foundation in both quantitative and qualitative socio-economic research. Megha has led stakeholder consultations with a wide range of actors including local communities, landowners, local self-governments, civil society, and industry representatives. Her fieldwork has involved community needs assessments, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and assessments of public service delivery in project areas. These experiences have equipped her with a strong understanding of regional social contexts and stakeholder dynamics across India. She has also contributed to international development cooperation projects, with additional experience in policy research and analysis focusing on land rights, indigenous peoples, labour, gender, and skilling. Her capacity-building work includes training project teams and corporate stakeholders on responsible land procurement practices, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Her sectoral experience spans renewable energy (solar, wind, biofuels), electric and commercial vehicles, roads and highways, building and construction, as well as the informal economy, including plastic and textile waste sectors. Megha holds a Master’s degree in Development Policy, Planning and Practice, and a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Tuljapur.

Megha has worked on projects like Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Environmental and Social Due Diligence, Land Audits, Social Audits, Supply Chain Assessments, Training and Capacity Building, International Development Cooperation Projects, Policy Analysis.

Apart of work, Megha enjoys walking around cities, birdwatching, exploring local cuisines and art, and travelling.

Why I am with EMC?

I’m fortunate to work at the nexus of social development and environmental sustainability. I’ve grown immensely in this collaborative environment, exchanging valuable insights with team members who bring diverse expertise from their respective fields. What sets EMC apart is not only our commitment to integrity but also our rigorous processes and ethical standards that ensure we produce only honest, transparent, and ethically sound work, a principle I wholeheartedly embrace.

Ashwini Panandiker

Associate Vice President

Ashwini Pai Panandiker holds a Ph.D. degree in Earth Science from Goa University, India. She also has an M.S. degree in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Guelph, Canada, and an M.Sc. degree in Environmental Science from Nagpur University, India to her credit. She was a recipient of the prestigious Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship. She has around 21 years of research experience in the broader domain of natural resource management and sustainability. Before joining EMC, she worked with The Energy and Resources Institute in Goa, University of Guelph, Canada, and National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur. Her key areas of expertise include sectoral climate vulnerability assessments, hydrological modelling, policy-focused research and environmental impact assessments. She is also actively engaged in the field of resource efficiency and circular economy and was a lead contributor to the ‘Strategy on Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy for Goa which is India’s first state-level strategy of its kind.

hroughout her career, she has spearheaded and participated in a variety of research initiatives, public advocacy efforts, and consulting projects for ministries, bilateral and multilateral institutions, as well as multinational corporations. Some examples are the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union Resource Efficiency Initiative (EU-REI), Norwegian Embassy, Water Resources Department, Government of Goa.

Dr. Panandiker has held several key roles in policy and advisory capacities. She was part of a sub-committee under the Goa State Council of Educational Research & Training, tasked with developing curricula for Grades 9 to 12 of the Goa Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in the subject of ‘Inter-disciplinary Studies,’ encompassing environmental education, climate change, and waste management. During India’s G20 presidency (2022–2023), she served as a subject matter expert on the blue economy in the Environment, Climate, and Sustainability Working Group of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). She currently leads the Sustainability, Waste Management, and Environment Task Force of the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) for the 2023–2025 term. Additionally, she was empanelled as an Environmental Auditor with the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for 2023–2024. Her past appointments also include membership in the government committee responsible for revising the ‘Goa State Water Policy’ (December 2020 – May 2021) and the Goa State Expert Appraisal Committee (2013–2016).

I like playing pickleball, badminton, yoga, trekking, gardening.

Why I am with EMC?

Being at EMC allows me to align my work with my values and passion for sustainability. It is a place where purpose meets impact

Rachana Rokade

Senior GIS Specialist

Rachana Rokade is an Agricultural Engineer with a master’s degree in Remote Sensing and GIS in Agriculture and Soils specialisation from Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation. She has a strong foundation in analysis of remote sensing imageries using software such as ERDAS Imagine, ArcGIS, ARCGIS PRO, QGIS, SNAP, ENVI, and Google Earth Engine. She has supplemented her technical proficiency with courses in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, and R. She also contributes to specialist studies such as Remote sensing-based soil erosion modelling, Watershed analysis, Crop suitability analysis, Climate change and Renewable energy.

At EMC, Rachana is primarily engaged in Non-Regulatory Environmental and Social Impact Assessments. Leveraging her skill set, she conducts E & S risk analyses, vulnerability assessments, and climate screening for infrastructure projects using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques with more than 2 years of hands-on experience. She also contributes to specialist studies such as remote sensing-based soil erosion modelling, watershed analysis, and crop suitability analysis.

●Internship in Installation and Maintenance of Solar panel systems by Green World Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. ● Training in Business planning and Skill development in Renewable energy System. ● Certificate Course in Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Development in Renewable Energy. ● Internship in Study, Selection, Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting & Repair of Tractor and Agriculture Implements, I.C. Engine etc and Operation of different tractor operated and self-propelled agricultural Machinery on the farm. ● Certificate Course in Practical Python and Python for Scientific language. ● Certificate course in Satellite Photogrammetry and its application. ● Certificate Course in Digital Marketing. ● Certificate course in Complete ArcGIS Pro Mastery. ● Certificate course in Power BI Masterclass.

Apart from work, Rachana likes to sing and play Basketball.

Why I am with EMC?

What inspires me the most to work at EMC is the positive and collaborative work environment. Additionally, I get the opportunity of working at the grass root level while engaging with various stakeholders that significantly creates a positive impact.

Gaurao Chopade

Senior Environmental Engineer

Gaurao Chopade holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and an M.Tech (Research) in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal. He is currently an Senior Environmental with EMC having 3+ years of work experience in multi-areas including works on projects related to ESG Strategy & Reporting, Sustainability Assurance, Circular Economy, ESMS, and CSR Impact Assessment for multilateral clients.

Gaurao Chopade supports the team across a range of ESG and sustainability projects. His work spans circular economy, sustainability strategy and reporting, sustainability assurance, ESMS, and CSR. He has contributed to the development of ESG Management Systems by drafting ESMS manuals, tools, and annexes for NBFCs and wastewater treatment companies. He has conducted CSR impact assessments across various interventions, delivering detailed impact and recommendation reports. Gaurao has also undertaken double materiality assessments to identify ESG risks and opportunities for clients. Additionally, he supports various tasks in the areas of circular economy and ESG through the preparation of technical reports, secondary research, roadmaps, concept papers, proposals, and key presentations. Prior to joining EMC, He had worked with Saarloha Advanced Materials Pvt Ltd (Kalyani Steels), a green steel manufacturing company. Where he worked as a cross functional team member in ESG team to identify materiality issues to identify risk and opportunities, reviewed EIA report for expansion project of continuous casting route which is targeted to increase the production of secondary steel by 1 lakh ton in the form of blooms, ingots and bars. Led site assessments and, end to end project management on setting up ETP to achieve ZLD, aligning with the sustainable manufacturing goals.

Outside of work, Gaurao pursues his interests in music, particularly playing the drums, and enjoys maintaining aquariums as a hobby.

He is also certified licensed Associate Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (ACSAP) for conducting assurance in accordance with AA1000 series of standards. Lead Auditor ISO 14001:2015 EMS. Gaurao has to his credit two research publications in peer-reviewed journals focusing on dairy sludge management and resource recovery

Why I am with EMC?

EMC provides an inclusive workplace and the best part of working with EMC is, their diverse themes of projects under the umbrella of sustainability giving exposure to various domains and work areas and provides opportunities for impactful contributions.

Gaurav m. Limaye

Senior Environmental Engineer

Gaurav Limaye holds a degree in Biotechnology Engineering from Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Management of Natural Resources from Ecological Society, and a Master’s in Public Policy and Governance from Azim Premji University. He has also completed a course in ornithology. Gaurav is a sustainability professional with over four years of experience in research and consulting across key areas such as water, energy, carbon management, climate policy, ESG, and environmental compliance. With a strong foundation in environmental studies, he has contributed to a range of projects spanning public service delivery, biodiversity, and energy access.

GHG Inventorization and Decarbonization Plan for Highway Assets , Development of Gujarat Climate Dashboard (GHG Emissions Inventory), Development of the Land-Use and Land Cover Tracker- Gujarat, Improving India’s Clean Cooking Fuel Supply, Exploring Clean Cooking Energy Solutions in India, Rapid Decarbonization Potential of the Pune Metropolitan Region (PMR), Preparation of a masterplan for water supply, sewerage management , storm-water, and solid waste management ,Development of a portable metal sensor for detecting iron and molybdenum in water.

Gaurav is a member of the International Water Association and actively contributes to knowledge-sharing in the sustainability domain. He delivered a talk on decentralized sewage management to officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, highlighting practical solutions for sustainable sanitation. He also presented a session on careers in sustainable development to students at Vellore Institute of Technology, inspiring the next generation of professionals to engage with environmental and climate challenges.

Gaurav is passionate about the ecological restoration of riverine ecosystems and finds inspiration in exploring nature trails and observing wildlife and natural habitats.

Why I am with EMC?

I work with EMC because its mission—sustainability for all—deeply resonates with my own career aspirations. The work here is both challenging and fulfilling, as EMC is committed to delivering genuine, customized solutions in areas like green investments, decarbonisation, and environmental stewardship. What sets EMC apart is its focus on impact and integrity in every project. Moreover, being part of a team that constantly pushes boundaries and encourages personal and professional growth motivates me to excel and deepen my expertise in this field.

Ms. Aditi Belgaonkar

Digital Engagement and People Relationship Manager

Aditi Belgaonkar is an MBA with dual specialization- Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Resource with a certification in Digital Marketing. She brings over 5+ years of combined experience in CSR and communications, with expertise in creative communication and social development projects. With a strong foundation in Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Resource Management, Aditi has worked with diverse organizations across industries, contributing to impactful branding, digital marketing, and CSR initiatives. She has collaborated on prestigious projects, including branding and digital marketing campaigns for various clients as a freelancer, demonstrating her ability to craft tailored strategies for diverse audiences. Her recent work has involved supporting social development initiatives and creatively amplifying brands’ voices to drive positive societal change. Aditi is also an amateur writer and has co-authored two anthology books, Ladder of World Class Life and Select Poetry. She is passionate about creating a positive impact in society through her work and words. Outside of her professional life, Aditi is a trained Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer, an avid traveler, and a bibliophile. Her multifaceted interests and dedication to continuous learning reflect her holistic approach to life and work.

Outside of her professional life, Aditi is a trained Kathak and Bharatnatyam dancer, an avid traveler, and a bibliophile. Her multifaceted interests and dedication to continuous learning reflect her holistic approach to life and work.

Why I am with EMC?

Working with EMC as a Digital engagement and people relationship Manager allows me to leverage my skills in crafting impactful narratives and building meaningful online communities. With over 5 years of collective experience in sustainability communications, CSR and social development, I bring a unique blend of strategic thinking and social impact to the role. EMC’s dynamic environment resonates with my passion for creativity and innovation in digital communication. I take pride in being part of an organization that values impactful communication. My aim is to continuously contribute to EMC’s success and growth in the digital landscape.

Kalpana Saini

Environmental Engineer

With over 6 years of experience in environmental consulting and academia, Kalpana has contributed to environmental management, regulatory compliance, and air quality modeling. At T.R. Associates and Environment Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad (2.6 years), she worked on EIA, EMP, regulatory compliance, and secured Environmental Clearances (EC) from MoEF&CC and SEIAA. She worked across diverse industrial sectors, ensuring compliance.She is a QCI-NABET-approved Functional Area Expert (FAE) in Air Pollution Monitoring, Prevention, Control, Meteorology, Air Quality Modeling, and Prediction. Before this, she spent 3 years as an Assistant Professor and Environmental Engineer in a GPCB-recognized auditor team at Swarnim Startup & Innovation University, Gandhinagar. Kalpana holds an M.E. in Environmental Management from L.D. College of Engineering, Ahmedabad, under Gujarat Technological University, with a thesis on AERMOD software. She earned her B.E. in Environmental Engineering from GEC, Valsad. Beyond work, Kalpana finds joy in writing, crafting new recipes, and diving into thought-provoking reads-always exploring, always evolving.

1.Circular Economy Action Plan for the State of Gujarat • Actively supporting and assisting in the Circular Economy Action Plan for the State of Gujarat. This involves conducting baseline studies for a ground reality check to prepare Gujarat-context concept notes, coordinating closely with Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) officials on a regular basis, and preparing essential policy notes, guidance notes, and Terms of Reference (TOR). This project also includes engaging with other stakeholders to support the implementation of the circular economy action plan under the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in the state. 2. Strengthening the Ecosystem for the Use of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in Cement Plants in India • Working closely with two identified municipalities, Gorakhpur and Rajkot, on a project aimed at strengthening the ecosystem for utilizing Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) as Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) in cement plants across India. After successful implementation in selected municipalities, the same roadmap can be replicated in other cities across India. This project promotes sustainable waste management and contributes to cleaner energy solutions by diverting waste from landfills and using it as an alternative fuel (AF) source in industrial processes.

Certifications & Professional Development: • Successfully completed a two-month online certificate course on “Fundamentals of ESG & Sustainability” with an A+ Grade, organized by Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, in collaboration with ESG Research Foundation and Indian Accounting Association (April-June 2024). Research & Publications: Published multiple papers in international journals on topics including: 1. Assessment of Particulate Matter Emission using AERMOD Software, with case studies on the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project and its performance in the Indian scenario. 2. Treatment of Chemical Industry Effluent by FACCA Treatment. 3. Decentralized Model for Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas, focusing on sustainable solid waste management. Event Organization & Leadership: • Organized a National-level webinar on “World Environment Day, 2021” with the theme “Ecosystem Restoration.” • Organized and Coordinated a National-level two-day Workshop on “Solid Waste Management- A Way to Sustainable Life,” sponsored by the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), Government of Gujarat (August 2021). Academic Excellence: • Secured the first rank in the Institute and third rank in the University during B.E. studies. • Presented the final year B.E. project, “Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Using Eco-biofilter,” at the State-Level Open House Project Fair held at VGEC, Chandkheda (2017).

Kalpana is also keen about Reading, Cooking and Writing poetries .

Why I am with EMC?

Joining EMC is not just a career move for me; it’s where my passion for sustainability meets real-world impact. Together, we’re shaping a future that matters.