Key Skills: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, Environmental and Cumulative Effects Assessment, Geological survey, EA report writing
Toran Sharma (Ph. D) completed his doctorate in geology in 1979 in India and joined department of mines and geology, government of Nepal in 1980. After working 6 years with the government, he joined Yagai-Kagaku Co., Ltd, Sappro, Japan as an environmental specialist. He subsequently joined College of Sciences, University of Ryukyu, Okinawa, Japan (1984-1985) and completed post doctoral research in physical environmental science. He returned to Nepal in early 1993 to become director in Nepal Environmental & Scientific Services (NESS) P. Ltd. Since then Dr Sharma has been involved with providing consultant services on a diverse number of project types including hydropower (generation and transmission lines), water supply projects, agriculture, road, forestry, industries etc.
He specializes in physical environment, environmental assessment of infrastructure projects (with focus in large hydropower projects), environmental management, and project management. He has completed numerous environmental studies in a capacity of team leader. Some of the representative project includes; EIA of Upper Karnali HEP (900 MW), EIA of Upper Marsyangdi HEP (600 MW), EIA of Bheri-Babai Diversion Scheme, IEE/EIA of Kabeli ‘A” Hydropower Project, Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Rasuwagadhi HEP – 110 MW Hydroelectric Project (RGHEP), Environmental Impact Assessment Study of Kaligandaki Upper Hydropower Project 74 MW (KGUHPP), Environmental Impact Assessment Study Likhu IV – 120 MW Hydroelectric Project (LK-IV HEP) (Jan., 2008 – Dec., 2008); Upgrading Feasibility Study on Upper Seti (Damauli) Storage Hydroelectric Project, , Monitoring of Mitigation Plan during construction, Middle Marsyangdi Hydroelectric Project 72 MW, – Stage 2., EIA Study of Integrated Melamchi Water Supply Project, EIA of Water Treatment Plant. , EIA of Solid Waste Treatment Plant and Development of Sanitary Landfill Site at Simdol Ko Gairo, Okharpauwa VDC, Nuwakot , EIA of Bhrikuti Pulp and Paper Industries for the Collection of Biomass from Forest Areas of Various Preparation of Resettlement Action Plan for Thankot- Chapagaon- Bhaktapur 132 kV Transmission Line Project, Environmental Assessment of Kusum-Purandhara 132 kV Transmission Line Project, (2005/2006) etc.
He is responsible for ensuring quality in environmental assessment process from the proposal to completion stages. He is an EA report integrator and ensures that all the technical aspects are well addressed as per the requirements of regulatory agencies.
In addition to project experiences, Toran has been involved in providing technical assistance to the World Bank, ADB, DFID, and JICA in areas of environmental and social safeguards.