Vijai Verma

Dynamic Environmental Specialist with extensive experience at the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh. Proven track record in Environmental Impact Assessments and regulatory compliance, enhancing project outcomes through strategic community development and effective training programs. Adept at fostering teamwork and collaboration to achieve sustainable environmental solutions.

Environmental Specialist at Department of Tourism, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (2018-03 – 2024-04)

Environmental Specialist on The World Bank Assisted Uttar Pradesh Pro-Poor Tourism Development Project

• Ensured the provision of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) document and all related documents for the Project
• Ensured World Bank standards and safeguards procedures
• Supervised the work and provided advisory and technical support to environmental Expert/staff hired by UP Tourism Department
• Coordinated with Project implementing agencies at state and local levels
• Reviewed Environmental Assessment Reports (EAR) and related documents for compliance with ESMF
• Coordinated with Project implementing agencies to secure regulatory clearances from UPPCB and other agencies
• Carried out monthly visits to sub-Projects implementation sites to monitor and provide onsite guidance
• Participated in progress review meetings of the SPCU
• Coordinated with Project Management Consultants and Quality Auditors
• Maintained database on status of various environmental activities of the Project
• Prepared and submitted monthly progress reports to GoUP and quarterly reports to World Bank
• Functioned as nodal-point contact at SPCU for environmental matters

Deputy Manager (Empowerment, Education & Water) at Sahara Welfare Foundation (A CSR Division), Sahara India (2013-06 – 2018-03)

Environmental Specialist for Flagship Project - Village Esteem Development Adoption by Sahara (VEDAS)

• Worked as core strategy team member of the social development unit of Sahara India Group
• Responsible for overall project formulation, planning, development and implementation of water and sanitation issues at National Level
• Prepared Annual CSR Plan and Monitoring and evaluation of program effectiveness
• Project cycle management including appraisal, monitoring, evaluation, and relationship management
• Guided and provided technical support for implementation of Water and Education components
• Prepared various modules for training of trainers (TOT) in safe drinking water, sanitation, education, rural health and livelihood
• Prepared and documented monthly, quarterly and annual project progress reports
• Developed monitoring tools for field staff and community volunteers
• Developed and implemented plans for conservation and management of natural resources
• Conducted training programmes on safe hygienic practices and water testing methods
• Monitored environmental impacts of developmental activities
• Coordinated with government and local bodies and NGOs for effective project implementation

Environmental Consultant at Forest Department Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (Through NGO) (2010-08 – 2013-05)

Environmental Consultant on Uttar Pradesh Participatory Forest Management and Poverty Alleviation project funded by JICA

• Worked on project covering Tarai, Vindhyan and Bundelkhand regions of Uttar Pradesh
• Worked for community development by ensuring livelihood of project villages
• Worked on forest-based microenterprises and non-natural forest based micro enterprises
• Helped implement project objectives as per Forest Management Plan and JICA requirements
• Conducted training programmes for forest guards and forest watchers
• Identified means to enhance awareness level of visitors regarding biodiversity values
• Associated with project formulation and implementation team
• Surveyed and monitored project area for successful completion

Assistant Professor at LM Institute of Management & Technology, Lucknow (2009-01 – 2010-07)

Assistant Professor in Department of Applied Sciences

• Engaged with U.G (B-Tech) students in teaching Environmental Studies
• Worked as Controller of Examination

Project Officer at Bharti Vidyapith Institute of Environment Educ. & Research, Pune (2006-07 – 2007-04)

Project Officer on Conservation Education for Critically Important National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries - Canadian project

• Involved in Empowerment of the community
• Development of value-added handicrafts in Dudhwa National Park and marketing
• Conducted water sanitation and water harvesting techniques training
• Provided capacity building for school teachers on natural resources and biodiversity conservation
• Developed content for School Environment Education Program
• Conducted training for Frontline Staff of Education Department
• Conducted training for Forest Department staff to act as tourist guides
• Enhanced awareness level of visitors regarding biodiversity values
• Administered and managed Site Office operations

Project Manager at E.P.G. Environmental Consultant Pvt. Ltd. (2002-06 – 2006-06)

Project Manager providing environmental consultancy support to industries

• Provided consultancy-based support to more than 35 industries in Uttar Pradesh
• Developed and implemented environmental sustainability programs
• Introduced key initiatives regarding industrial safety, energy conservation, and pollution prevention
• Supervised and implemented projects related to environmental safeguards per Ministry standards
• Successfully handled and documented 4 comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Successfully handled and documented 6 Rapid EIAs
• Prepared and monitored 7 Environment Management plans for different industries
• Conducted and documented more than 27 occupational Health and Safety Audits
• Coordinated and conducted 8 industrial training programmes for blue collar workers
• Prepared and documented 2 district disaster management plans
• Prepared and documented 7 off-site emergency plans for various industries
• Advised on environmental issues related to industrial unit functioning

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science – University of Lucknow (2008)

M.Sc. in Environmental Science – University of Lucknow (2001)

B.Sc. in Botany, Chemistry – University of Lucknow (1998)

Intermediate in Biology – Uttar Pradesh Board (1994)

High School – Uttar Pradesh Board (1992)