WATER RESOURCE ENGINEER
BikramPandey
Bikram Pandey is a water resources engineer and hydrologist specializing in hydrological modelling, flood forecasting, and water resource systems. He holds a Master of Engineering degree in Water Engineering and Management from the Asian Institute of Technology (completed December 2025), where his research focused on advancing flood forecasting using the RRI model and data assimilation techniques. He has professional experience in hydropower engineering projects in Nepal and research experience in hydrological data analysis, modelling, and early warning systems. His technical expertise includes GIS, hydrological modelling, and programming tools such as Python and Fortran.
CONTACT DETAILS
EXPERIENCE
Research Associate
Asian Institute of Technology
Thailand
Leading cutting-edge research on Satellite Gravimetry for Hydro-Resource Assessment in Southeast Asia. Utilizing GRACE/-FO satellite data integrated with hydrological modeling for groundwater monitoring and water resource management.
- •Monitoring Water Storage with GRACE/-FO: Integrating satellite gravimetry with hydrological-numerical modeling (PCR-GLOBWB, GLDAS) to provide robust insights into groundwater variability at the basin scale in regions with limited ground data, enabling better water resource management decisions
- •Downscaling for GRACE data: Implementing machine learning-based downscaling techniques to refine GRACE/-FO's coarse resolution (~300 km) to ~10 km spatial resolution, capturing local variability essential for groundwater monitoring, drought assessment, and practical hydrological planning in Southeast Asia
- •GRACE/-FO, Hydrological models, and GIS-Based Surface Water Analysis: Combining GRACE/-FO total water storage anomalies with hydrological models and precipitation datasets to separate groundwater from surface water components, providing actionable insights for water security and basin-scale planning.
Research Assistant
Asian Institute of Technology
Thailand
Developed an advanced flood forecasting and early warning system for Northern Thailand's Nan River Basin by integrating the physically-based Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation (RRI) model with satellite-derived precipitation data (GSMaP, GFS) and real-time hydrological observations through data assimilation techniques.
- •Implemented Python, Fortran, and Unix-based scripting workflows to process terabytes of hydrological data from multiple satellite sources, automate RRI model calibration and validation, and generate real-time flood forecasts with 24-72 hour lead times
- •Led and organized bi-weekly technical meetings facilitating inter-institutional collaborations for operational flood warning system implementation
- •Prepared comprehensive technical reports documenting methodology, validation results, and uncertainty analysis, contributing to peer-reviewed publications on data assimilation techniques for ungauged catchments.
Project Engineer
Appolo Hydropower Limited
Okhaldhunga, Nepal
Led comprehensive civil works supervision and construction execution for the Buku Khola Hydropower Project (6 MW) in the mountainous Okhaldhunga district of Eastern Nepal, managing a team of 25+ construction workers and coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and regulatory authorities.
- •Supervised all civil engineering components including headworks (Tyrolean weir intake), desilting basin, 2.8 km headrace canal, forebay tank, 450m penstock alignment, and powerhouse construction, ensuring compliance with design specifications and quality standards
- •Spearheaded tender document preparation and contractor evaluation for major civil works packages totaling NPR 180+ million, optimizing project strategy through competitive bidding and ensuring contractual compliance with Nepal Electricity Authority requirements
- •Implemented quality control protocols using survey-grade instruments and material testing, reducing construction defects by 30% and meeting project milestones within scheduled timeframes despite challenging terrain and monsoon conditions
Civil Hydro Engineer
Swachchha Urja Bikas Pvt Ltd
Kathmandu, Nepal
Contributed to detailed engineering design and project development for two run-of-river hydropower projects: Chepe Khola (25 MW) in Lamjung and Liping Khola (15 MW) in Taplejung, involving hydraulic design, structural analysis, and field investigations in challenging Himalayan terrain.
- •Prepared detailed engineering drawings and design calculations for hydraulic structures including intake weirs, desilting basins, and powerhouse layouts using AutoCAD 2D/3D, ensuring structural integrity and hydraulic efficiency
- •Conducted extensive field visits for penstock alignment surveys using total station and GPS equipment, headworks site geological assessments, and hydrological monitoring station installations across project sites at elevations up to 2,500 meters
- •Developed comprehensive Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) consolidating hydrological analysis, structural design, environmental impact assessment findings, and cost estimates, submitted to Nepal Electricity Authority for project licensing
Intern Civil Engineer
Sahas Urja Limited
Solukhumbu, Nepal
Gained hands-on construction experience at the prestigious Solu Khola (Dudh-Koshi) Hydroelectric Project (86 MW), Nepal's largest privately-owned hydropower project, working directly under senior engineers on critical underground and surface civil works.
- •Participated in daily site supervision activities for headworks construction including concrete placement monitoring, reinforcement inspection, and formwork quality checks, learning industry-standard construction practices for mega hydropower projects
- •Assisted in tunnel excavation support documentation including geological mapping of tunnel faces, rock bolt installation records, and shotcrete application logs for the 4.2 km headrace tunnel using NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method)
- •Prepared detailed bill of quantities for headworks components and developed 3D geological models of tunnel sections using AutoCAD 3D, visualizing rock mass characteristics and support requirements for tunnel design optimization
EDUCATION
Master of Engineering
Water Engineering and Management
Asian Institute of Technology
Klong Luang, Thailand
Thesis
Advancing Flood Forecasting for Northern Thailand using Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation model and Data Assimilation Technique
Supervisor: Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub
Key Modules
Bachelor of Engineering
Civil Engineering (Specialization in Hydropower)
Kathmandu University
Dhulikhel, Nepal
Thesis
Potential Study of Solu Khola (Dudh Koshi) Hydroelectric Project
Key Modules
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Hydrological & Modeling Tools
GIS & Spatial Analysis
Programming & Scripting
Machine Learning & AI
Design & Engineering Tools
Languages
PROJECTS & RESEARCH
GRACE/-FO Satellite Gravimetry for Groundwater Monitoring
Research project utilizing GRACE/-FO satellite data integrated with hydrological-numerical modeling for groundwater monitoring and water resource management in Southeast Asia. Includes downscaling techniques to refine resolution from ~300 km to ~10 km for practical applications.
- •Developed downscaling algorithms for GRACE/-FO data
- •Combined satellite data with hydrological models for basin-scale planning
- •Created GIS-based surface water analysis tools
Advanced Flood Forecasting System for Northern Thailand
Developed a comprehensive flood forecasting and early warning system using the RRI (Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation) model integrated with data assimilation techniques. The system processes satellite-derived precipitation data and hydrological observations to provide accurate flood predictions for Northern Thailand.
- •Implemented data assimilation techniques to improve forecast accuracy
- •Integrated satellite-derived precipitation data with ground observations
- •Developed automated workflows using Python and Fortran
- •Created real-time forecasting capabilities for early warning systems
Solu Khola (Dudh Koshi) Hydroelectric Project Study
Potential study for the 86 MW Solu Khola (Dudh-Koshi) Hydroelectric Project in Nepal. Conducted comprehensive analysis including site assessment, geological 3D modeling, and bill of quantities preparation for headworks construction.
- •Performed geological 3D modeling of tunnel alignment
- •Prepared detailed bill of quantities for headworks
- •Conducted field surveys and site assessments
- •Developed technical documentation and project reports
De-sanding Basin with Sediment Flushing System
Design and construction of a working model demonstrating de-sanding basin principles with an integrated sediment flushing system for hydropower applications.
- •Designed and built functional scale model
- •Demonstrated sediment removal efficiency
- •Applied hydraulic engineering principles
- •Presented findings for academic evaluation
Panauti Hydropower Plant Rehabilitation Study
Analysis and recommendations for the rehabilitation, upgrading, and modernization of the historic Panauti Hydropower Plant (2.4 MW) in Nepal.
- •Assessed current plant condition and efficiency
- •Proposed modernization strategies
- •Evaluated economic feasibility of upgrades
- •Developed technical improvement recommendations
TRAININGS & SEMINARS
Seminar on Application of Satellite-based Soil Moisture Data
NASA/AIT
Attended comprehensive seminars on utilizing satellite-based soil moisture data for hydrological and agricultural applications.
Career Fair and Forum Volunteer
Asian Institute of Technology
Collaborated with leading companies to create valuable networking and career opportunities for attendees at the AIT Career Fair and Forum.
AutoCAD and SketchUp Training Certification
Professional Training Institute
Completed 40 hours of intensive training in AutoCAD 2D/3D modeling and SketchUp for engineering design applications.