Dr. N. C. Mondal is a distinguished scientist and leading expert in the field of hydrogeology, groundwater resources management, geophysics, and environmental earth sciences. He is currently serving as Scientist F at CSIR–National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Hyderabad, and Associate Professor at Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research  (AcSIR) under the CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Over nearly two decades of professional service at CSIR-NGRI, he has made significant contributions towards groundwater exploration, aquifer characterization, hydrochemical assessment, groundwater modeling, and sustainable water resource management.

Dr. Mondal obtained advanced academic training in Exploration Geophysics and pursued his doctoral research under the support of the Senior Research Fellowship (CSIR). His expertise combines geophysical techniques, hydrogeology, remote sensing, GIS, hydrochemistry, and numerical modeling to address complex groundwater-related challenges.

His professional journey includes positions such as Project Fellow, Senior Research Fellow, Research Associate, Junior Scientist, Scientist, Senior Scientist, Principal Scientist, and Scientist F at CSIR-NGRI. He was also awarded the prestigious BOYSCAST Fellowship by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, which enabled him to pursue advanced studies in water resources at Texas A&M University, USA.

Research Expertise & Contributions

Dr. Mondal’s research focuses on developing innovative approaches for groundwater assessment and management. His major research domains include:

• Groundwater Exploration and Aquifer Mapping:
  Developed advanced geophysical approaches using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), remote sensing, and GIS techniques for identifying groundwater-bearing formations and aquifer systems across diverse geological terrains.
• Groundwater Potential Zone Assessment:
  Integrated geophysical, hydrogeological, and GIS-based approaches with analytical methods such as AHP for accurate groundwater potential mapping and recharge zone identification.
• Hydrochemical Investigation and Pollution Assessment:
  Developed techniques for evaluating groundwater quality, identifying contamination sources, and establishing natural background levels of hydrochemical parameters.
• Saline Water Intrusion Studies:
  Proposed the Saline Water Mixing Index (SWMI) approach to quantify saline water mixing in coastal aquifers and support groundwater protection strategies.
• Entropy-Based Groundwater Modeling:
  Developed innovative entropy-based models for assessing groundwater recharge, reserves, and uncertainty in groundwater availability.
• Groundwater Vulnerability and Hazard Assessment:
  Developed interaction-based vulnerability models to evaluate aquifer susceptibility to pollution and depletion.
• Advanced Numerical Modeling:
  Simulated groundwater flow and mass transport models for understanding aquifer behavior and contaminant migration, including arsenic vulnerability assessment, particularly in the parts of Ganga basin in Northern India.

Scientific Publications & Research Output

Dr. Mondal has made substantial contributions to scientific literature through:

• 125 Peer Reviewed Research Articles
• 21 Book Chapters
• 51 Technical Reports

His research has been published in reputed national and international platforms, namely in Nature- Scientific Reports, Chemosphere, Environmental Pollution, Journal of Hydrology, Environmental Earth Science, Applied Water Science, Water Resources Management, and Groundwater for Sustainable Development. He has contributed significantly to groundwater science, environmental geophysics, and sustainable water management.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. N. C. Mondal has received several prestigious recognitions for his outstanding contributions to geoscience and groundwater research, including:

• Distinguished Fellow-2025, Association of Global Groundwater Scientists (AGGS)
• Fellow-2022, Association of Global Groundwater Scientists (AGGS)
• Fellow-2022, Geological Society of India (GSI)
• Fellow-2020, Telangana Academy of Sciences
• National Geoscience Award-2017, Ministry of Mines, Government of India
• Best Researcher Award-2024 in Groundwater & Soil Pollution
• Best Researcher Award-2021, VDGOOD Professional Association
• Outstanding Scientist Award-2020, VDGOOD Professional Association
• Bharat Jyoti Award-2019, India International Friendship Society
• Best Paper Presentation Awards at national and international conferences

Professional Memberships

Dr. Mondal is associated with several prestigious scientific organizations, including:

• International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH)
• Geological Society of India (GSI)
• Association of Global Groundwater Scientists (AGGS)
• International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)
• Indian Society of Applied Geochemists (ISAG)
• Association of Exploration Geophysicists (AEG)
• Indian Society for Hydraulics (ISH)

These memberships reflect his active involvement in advancing groundwater and geoscience research globally.

Eligibility for Distinguished Scientist Award 

Dr. N. C. Mondal is highly eligible for the Distinguished Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels considering his exceptional achievements in scientific research, innovation, and academic leadership. His eligibility is strongly supported by:

• Nearly two decades of impactful research experience at CSIR-NGRI, one of India’s premier earth science research institutions.
• Significant scientific contributions in groundwater exploration, aquifer modeling, hydrochemistry, pollution assessment, and sustainable water management.
• Development of novel methodologies such as the Saline Water Mixing Index (SWMI) and entropy-based groundwater assessment models.
• More than 125 peer-reviewed research publications demonstrating sustained research excellence.
• Recognition through prestigious national awards including the National Geoscience Award by the Government of India.
• International research exposure through the DST BOYSCAST Fellowship at Texas A&M University, USA.
• Contribution towards solving critical environmental challenges related to groundwater scarcity, contamination, and climate-resilient water resource planning.

Dr. N. C. Mondal represents scientific excellence through innovative research, interdisciplinary expertise, and significant contributions towards groundwater sustainability and environmental protection.