Suraj GautamDisaster Risk Management Expert
Civil Engineer & GIS Specialist with extensive experience in landslide risk assessment, early warning systems, and disaster resilience planning.
Professional Summary
Who I Am
A dedicated civil engineer and disaster risk management expert with a focus on landslide assessment, early warning systems, and GIS mapping.
My Experience
Over 9 years of experience in disaster risk reduction, GIS mapping, and implementing early warning systems across Nepal.
My Approach
I combine technical expertise with community engagement to develop sustainable solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
Currently serving as the Executive Director at the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction, I lead initiatives in landslide assessment, early warning systems, and capacity building for disaster resilience across Nepal and the Himalayan region.
Professional Experience
Executive Director
Leading the organization in disaster risk reduction initiatives, developing proposals, and managing projects related to landslide assessment and early warning systems.
- Lead development of landslide early warning systems in multiple municipalities across Nepal
- Conduct GIS mapping and remote sensing for geological hazard and risk assessment
- Develop and implement community-based disaster risk reduction strategies
Executive Director
Leading the organization in disaster risk reduction initiatives, developing proposals, and managing projects related to landslide assessment and early warning systems.
- Lead development of landslide early warning systems in multiple municipalities across Nepal
- Conduct GIS mapping and remote sensing for geological hazard and risk assessment
- Develop and implement community-based disaster risk reduction strategies
Chief Operation Manager
Led company operations, developed operational plans, and managed geological hazard assessments and slope protection designs.
- Managed geological and geo-technical assessments for landslide risk mitigation
- Designed slope protection measures using conventional engineering, Eco-DRR, and Nature-based Solutions
- Led field assessments and quality control for disaster risk reduction projects
Chief Operation Manager
Led company operations, developed operational plans, and managed geological hazard assessments and slope protection designs.
- Managed geological and geo-technical assessments for landslide risk mitigation
- Designed slope protection measures using conventional engineering, Eco-DRR, and Nature-based Solutions
- Led field assessments and quality control for disaster risk reduction projects
Civil Engineer & GIS Expert
Involved in research, GIS and remote sensing assignments, developing Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP) projects, and disaster risk reduction platforms.
- Developed digital tools for vulnerability capacity assessment and risk mapping
- Conducted drone surveys for high-resolution mapping of disaster-prone areas
- Created digital profiles and risk maps for municipalities across Nepal
Civil Engineer & GIS Expert
Involved in research, GIS and remote sensing assignments, developing Risk Sensitive Land Use Planning (RSLUP) projects, and disaster risk reduction platforms.
- Developed digital tools for vulnerability capacity assessment and risk mapping
- Conducted drone surveys for high-resolution mapping of disaster-prone areas
- Created digital profiles and risk maps for municipalities across Nepal
Voluntary & Leadership Experience
Immediate Chair
The Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council Futures Leader Committee (ACECC, FLC) (2023-24)
Deputy Chair
U-INSPIRE Alliance (2024- ongoing)
General Secretary
Disaster Preparedness Network Nepal (DPNet Nepal) (2024 – ongoing)
Member
Nepal Engineers' Association (NEA)
Member
Nepal Engineering Council (NEC)
Education
MSc in Civil Engineering in Disaster Risk Management
Institute of Engineering, Pulchowk Campus, Tribhuvan University
Master's Degree in Public Administration
Tribhuvan University
MA in Economics
Tribhuvan University
Bachelors (B.E.) in Civil Engineering
Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University
Key Projects
VICTORY: Citizen Science for Anticipatory Action
Developed a citizen scientist platform engaging communities in data collection for early warning systems in Dolakha and Bardiya.
ALERT Bhimeshwor: Landslide Early Warning System
Established a municipal landslide early warning system in Bhimeshwor Municipality, including drone surveys and susceptibility modeling.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping in Baitadi
Developed landslide inventories, susceptibility assessments, and the "Pahiro Alert" mobile application for early warning.
Awards & Recognition
Young Engineer Professional Award (YEPA)
Awarded by The Asian Civil Engineering Coordinating Council (ACECC) in 2025 for contributions to disaster risk management.
Nepal Bidhya Bhusan KHA
Awarded by the Government of Nepal in 2019 for academic excellence and contributions to the field of disaster risk management.
Tika Devi Joshi Memorial Award
Received in 2018 for outstanding research and contributions in the field of disaster risk reduction in Nepal.
Contact Me
Let's Connect
I'm always open to discussing new projects, research collaborations, or opportunities in disaster risk management and civil engineering. Feel free to reach out using the contact information below or by filling out the form.
Phone
+977 9851 229 289
ersurajgautam@gmail.com
Location
Kathmandu, Nepal
Nationality
Nepali