- Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar researcher earns national acclaim at Saransh 2025
- AI-powered model reconstructs 60 years of missing river flow data across India
- Research bridges science and society—making climate insights accessible to all
On World Water Day 2026, study underscores link between data, equity & resilience - Breakthrough promises sharper flood forecasts, stronger water security & climate preparedness
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, MAR 20
In a remarkable stride towards climate resilience and water security, Hiren Solanki, a PhD scholar at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, has transformed missing hydrological data into actionable insights—earning national recognition at Saransh 2025, an initiative by the Indian National Young Academy of Science.
At a time when India faces intensifying floods and erratic rainfall patterns, Hiren’s pioneering research uses machine learning to reconstruct six decades (1961–2021) of missing river flow and water-level data—effectively “filling the missing pages” of the country’s water history.
Science that speaks to society
What sets this work apart is not just its scientific rigour but its accessibility. Saransh 2025 recognises young researchers who can translate complex science into language that resonates with the public—and Hiren excelled in bridging that gap.
His journey—from an MTech student to a Prime Minister’s Research Fellow—has been guided by Vimal Mishra and Vikrant Jain, with research anchored at IITGN’s Water and Climate Lab.
A personal mission, a national impact
Growing up in coastal Gujarat, Hiren witnessed floods and cyclones firsthand—experiences that shaped his resolve to tackle climate risks through science.
His work comes at a critical juncture: while monsoons may appear “normal” on average, rainfall is becoming more intense and erratic—fewer rainy days, but heavier downpours—raising flood risks across urban and riverine landscapes.
By combining hydrological modelling with machine learning, his framework can forecast river flows three to five days in advance, significantly improving disaster preparedness, reservoir management, and water planning.
Beyond forecasts: Rewriting climate narratives
Hiren’s research extends beyond flood prediction. His studies explore:
- Climate-driven “greening” of the Thar Desert
- The role of climate shifts in shaping the Harappan Civilisation
By linking past climate transformations with present-day extremes, his work offers a rare, long-term perspective on how water, climate, and civilisation are deeply intertwined.
Voices & vision
Hiren Solanki, PhD Scholar, IIT Gandhinagar: “The collaborative nature of labs across Earth Sciences, Civil Engineering, Humanities, Economics and Social Sciences broadened my research perspective.”
“It was not just about models or datasets anymore. It was about communicating science that matters to society.”
Backed by IITGN’s collaborative ecosystem and advanced computational infrastructure, Hiren’s research represents a shift from academic output to impact-driven science—where data becomes a tool for equity, resilience, and informed policymaking.
Looking ahead, he aims to work at the intersection of academia and policy, ensuring that scientific insights directly inform India’s climate adaptation and water governance strategies.
