The Team Behind the Mission

Meet the Visionaries Driving Climate Action

Meet Our Change-makers

The Acres of Ice team combines expertise, innovation, and passion to address water scarcity and climate challenges. By blending technology and tradition, we create sustainable solutions for resilient communities through diverse skills and a shared vision.

Basit Afzal
Co-founder

With expertise in micro irrigation and extensive experience in sales, marketing, and business development. Basit emphasizes the economic and ecological benefits of water conservation. Holding advanced degrees, he focuses on glacier and water management in mountainous regions.

Dr. Suryanarayanan Balasubramanian
Co-Founder
Involved with the ice reservoir technology for more than a decade. Initially collaborated with Sonam Wangchuk to lead the Icestupa project and pursued a PhD later. He leverages his expertise in glaciology, programming, sensors and IoT technologies to drive our mission forward.
Deepanshu Bisht
Project Specialist

A true generalist with a passion for climate resilience, having gained diverse experience across industries—from hospitality to event management. Sprinkled with a pinch of creativity, they are always eager to learn, create, and take on new challenges, driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact before moving on to the next adventure.

Tashi Tsering
Operations Manager
Nidhin José
Embedded Engineer

Specialising in ESP32-based IoT and wireless systems. Nidhin is currently developing a smart irrigation system in the Himalayas to promote sustainable water use and efficiency in agriculture.

Musaib Afzal
Supply Chain Specialist
Suman Saha
Embedded Engineer

Passionate about IoT, cybersecurity, and hardware hacking. At AOI, Suman develops embedded systems for smart irrigation and secure IoT solutions, with hands-on experience in cloud and interface design.

Karuna Sah
Remote Sensing Analyst/ Communication Specialist

With degrees in Earth Sciences and Geomatics, they study glaciology and pursue science communication. Passionate about mountain environments, they aim to combine research and advocacy, amplifying marginalized voices to address climate challenges in vulnerable communities.

Mohammed Ali
Field Assistant

MSc in Forestry with field training under the Wildlife Department, Kargil. Experienced in community outreach, bamboo crafting, carpentry, farming systems, and supporting village work under the Ice Stupa project.

Shashank Aradhya
Embedded Engineer

Experienced in embedded systems and machine learning, Shashank has lead SAE REEV’s E-Powertrain team and mentored in STEM. Passionate about tech-driven sustainability, he also enjoys skateboarding, gaming, and piano.

Stanzin Paljor
Field Manager

A nature-loving adventurer and sustainability advocate, he’s a Naropa Fellow and EJM College graduate. Co-founded Ladakh Bites, guided cultural tours, and works to protect Ladakh’s heritage and ecosystem.

Mehak Abdullah
Assistant Researcher

Disaster management graduate with a strong interest in research and learning, especially how cultural practices and traditional knowledge can strengthen community resilience and adaptation. Focused on the intersection of climate change, disaster risk, and sustainable community-based solutions. Currently working as a Research Assistant, with prior experience at DDMA Kullu, LEDEG, and ICCE.

Padma Norzin

Civil engineer with a year of site experience, currently working in design using AutoCAD. Passionate about sustainable, efficient structures and solving real-world problems through practical, innovative engineering solutions.

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