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Dr. Rachna Chandra

Dr. Rachna Chandra

Associate Professor and Head
Department of Environment and Forestry

Envelope
 

Academic Qualification:

  • Ph.D. (Environmental Sciences), Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Year – 2010
  • CSIR – SRF qualified in 2009
  • M.Sc. (Botany), Bareilly College, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Uttar Pradesh, Year – 2004
  • B.Sc. (Botany, Chemistry & Zoology), Bareilly College, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Uttar Pradesh, Year – 2002

Broad Current Research Interest:

  • Industrial pollution,
  • Bioremediation and restoration,
  • Metals in various matrices,
  • Wetland ecosystem

Fellowships/Grants/Selections:

  • DST-INSPIRE Faculty Scheme Award by Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, India (05 years i.e. 2013-2018).
  • Young Scientist Travel Fellowship Award, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Delhi, India. Full air-fare travel grant by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Delhi for attending the “18th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium 2009 (IBS-09)” in Bariloche, Argentina during 13th – 17th September. Rs. ~ 1.44 lakhs.
  • Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi, India (April 2009 – April 2011).

Academic positions:

  • Senior Scientist & Head (July 2018 till July 2021): Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • DST-INSPIRE Faculty (August 2014 – June 2018): Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • Visiting Faculty (August 2014 – November 2016): Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, K.S.K.V. Kachchh University, Bhuj, Gujarat.
  • DST-INSPIRE Faculty (June 2013 – August 2014): Department of Environmental Sciences, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
  • Manager – Industry (August 2011 – October 2011): Enkay Enviro Services (EES), Jaipur, Rajasthan.
  • Consultant / Socioeconomic Survey Expert (May 2011 – June 2011): JP Associates (P) Ltd., New Delhi. In Association with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Research project grants: 

  • Source-to-Sink spatio-temporal variability in sediment fluxes and their control on coastal sediment dispersal systems in Gujarat (September 2019 – September 2022). Funded by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), New Delhi.
  • Metal uptake and stress responses during chelate assisted phytoextraction process: effect of soil type, metal concentration and co-metal ion (June 2013-June 2018). Funded by Department of Science & Technology (DST), New Delhi under the DST-INSPIRE Faculty Scheme.
  • Rapid Assessment of Ichthyofauna Recruitment into Keoladeo National Park from Govardhan River and Pachna Dam (August 2018 – February 2019). Funded by Rajasthan Forest Department.
  • Investigations into the levels of pesticides and heavy metals in and around Oussudu Lake, Puducherry (April 2013-March 2014). Funded by Department of Science and Technology, and Environment (DSTE), Puducherry.
  • Bioavailability of heavy metals in soils and select plant species in open cast mines (April 2009 – April 2011). Funded by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi.

Developmental projects: 

  • Mangrove Biodiversity Enrichment in and around Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL), Kachchh, Gujarat (Sep 2018-Dec 2019). Granted by Adani Foundation, Mundra, Gujarat.
  • Regular monitoring of Marine ecology, KPT (May 2018-May 2021). Granted by Kandla Port Trust (KPT), Gujarat.
  • Regional Environmental Impact Assessment at Kandla Port, Kachchh (Sep 2017 – Nov 2018). Granted by Deendayal Port Trust (DPT), Gujarat.
  • Environmental Impact of Incidence of Intermediate Storage Tank (September – October 2020). Granted by M/s. Ashapura Perfoclay Ltd., Bhujodi-Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • Banni Working Plan – Soil Sample Analysis – Phase II (July 2020 – January 2021). Granted by Forest Department, Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • Banni Grassland – Soil Sample Analysis (March – June 2020). Granted by Forest Department, Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • Ecological survey and fishery as livelihood option near Bhavnagar, Gujarat (October – November 2019). Granted by M/s HA Salt Pvt. Ltd., Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
  • Studies on Biological Activity of a Few Inter-tidal Areas of the Kandla (September – October 2019). Granted by Kandla Port Trust (KPT), Gujarat.
  • Soil Study in 10 Km study area of M/s. Gallantt Metal Ltd. situated at Village – Samakhiyali, Tehsil -Bhachau, District-Kachchh, Gujarat (January 2019-March 2019). Granted by M/s. Gallantt Metal Ltd., Samakhiyali, Kachchh, Gujarat.
  • Assessment and Monitoring of Mangrove Plantation (1300 Ha) carried out by Deendayal Port Trust, Kandla (September 2017 – September 2018). Granted by Kandla Port Trust (KPT), Gujarat.
  • Marine Ecological Studies for Revamping Pipelines of Oil Jetties of Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat (May – July 2018). Granted by MECON, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
  • Study of ecological status of around 6000 acres land under Deendayal Port Trust at Gulf of Kachchh coast, between village Jangi and Bhachau (March 2018- July 2018). Granted by Deendayal Port Trust, Gujarat (NGT).
  • Holistic marine ecological monitoring of Deendayal Port Environment with Special Reference to Biodiversity and Preparation of Management Plan (May 2017-May 2018). Granted by Deendayal Port Trust, Gujarat.
  • Study on the impact of Wandh Bandhara on environment and socio-economics (March 2017 – July 2017). Granted by Irrigation Division, Bhuj, Gujarat.
  • Conservation and monitoring for natural mangrove stands of 1254 Ha at Mundra (Phase-II) (October 2015-April 2016). Granted by APSEZL (Adani Ports, Special Economic Zone Limited), Gujarat.
  • Evaluation of 587.9 hectare mangrove plantation by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL) at Kachchh coast-second study (October 2015-April 2016). Granted by APSEZL (Adani Ports, Special Economic Zone Limited), Gujarat.
  • Biological Assessment of unique Inland Mangrove of Guneri Village: a Proposed Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in Kachchh, Gujarat (October 2015-January 2016). Granted by Biodiversity Board, Gujarat.
  • Study on the present status, conservation and management plan for mangroves of Kandla Port region (February-May 2015). Granted by Kandla Port Trust, Gujarat.

Publications:

Scopus Index/SCI journals: 

  • Chandra R, Sharpanabharathi N, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA, Kurakalva RM (In Press) Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Non-Edible Parts of Plants: Insights on Possible Ecotoxicological Impacts. Sci Rep.
  • Kashyap S, Chandra R, Kumar B, Verma P (2021). Biosorption efficiency of nickel by various endophytic bacterial strains for removal of nickel from electroplating industry effluents: An operational study Ecotoxicology https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-021-02445-y.
  • Naz A, Chowdhury A, Chandra R, Mishra BK (2020) Potential human health hazard due to bioavailable heavy metal exposure via consumption of plants with ethnobotanical usage at the largest chromite mine of India. Environ Geochem Health 42: 4213–4231.
  • Mishra SR, Chandra R, BAK Prusty (2020) Chelate-assisted phytoaccumulation: Growth of Helianthus annuus L., Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek and Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. in soil spiked with varied concentrations of copper. Environ Sci Pollut Res 27: 5074–5084.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2019) Association of metals with geochemical phases in wetland soils of a Ramsar Site in India. Environ Monit Assess https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-019-7913-2.
  • Mishra SR, Chandra R (2018) Removal of Cd(II) from Aqueous Solution Using Dried Plant (Azadirachta indica) Biomass. Asian Journal of Chemistry 30(8): 1829-1835.
  • Mishra SR, Chandra R, Kaila JA, Darshi SB (2017) Kinetics and isotherm studies for the adsorption of metal ions onto two soil types. Environ Technol Innov 7: 87-101.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2014) Spatial variability and temporal changes in the trace metal content of soils: implications for mine restoration plan. Environ Monit Assess 186: 3661-3671.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2011) Pre-mining baseline characterization of soils: alkali and alkaline earth metals. Acta Ecol Sinica – An Int J 31: 283-290.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2010) Macronutrients along the sediment core in a subtropical monsoonal wetland in India. Wetl Ecol Manag 18: 91-105.
  • SelvaKumar T, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2010) The Birds of Araku, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. J Threat Taxa. 2(1): 662-665.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2009) Chemical partitioning of Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil profile of a semi arid dry woodland. Environ Pollut Bioavail 21(3):141-151.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2009) Temporal variation and distribution of select alkali and alkaline earth metals in the sediment of a monsoonal wetland in India. Fresenius Environ Bull 18(6): 917-927.
  • Chandra R, Nishadh KA, Azeez PA (2009) Monitoring water quality of Coimbatore wetlands, Tamil Nadu, India. Environ Monit Assess 169(1-4): 671-676.
  • Prusty BAK, R Chandra, Azeez PA (2009) Distribution of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur in the soil in a multiple habitat system in India. Soil Res 47(2): 177-189.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2008) Day-night variation in fish fry movement to a subtropical monsoonal wetland. Biol Lett. 45(1): 3-21.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2008) Vertical and temporal variation of Zn in the soils of a multiple habitat system. J Food Agric Environ 6(2): 381-387.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA, Sharma LL (2007) New additions to the ichthyofauna of Keoladeo National Park, a world heritage site in India. J Threat Taxa 22(10): 2848-2852.

NAAS/ UGC Care/Peer Review Journals: 

  • Sengani PD, Chandra R, Agarwal G (In Press) Assessment of Water Soluble Ionic Composition of Respirable Particulates from the Coastal Region, Gandhidham-Kachchh, Gujarat, India. Anal Chem Lett.
  • Murugesan M, Chandra R, Prusty BAK (2013) Avifauna of the Oussudu lake and its Environs, Puducherry, India and Conservation Concerns. Bird Population 12: 19-29.
  • Chandra R, Ganesan N, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2012) Soil properties of a tropical savannah in the Eastern Ghats of India. Open J Soil Sci 2(4): 353-363.
  • Chandra R, Azeez PA (2011) The flora of Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. J Econ Taxon Bot 35 (4): 816-836.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2011) A revised checklist of the flora of Keoladeo National Park, a world heritage site in India. Environ Res J 5(2-3): 331-348.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Hussain MS, Azeez PA (2011) Annual recruitment pattern of fishes into Keoladeo National Park wetland system, India. Environ Res J 4(5-6): 515-531.
  • Chandra R, Azeez PA (2010) Floral diversity of Kottuli: a wetland of national importance, Kozhikode, Kerala. J Econ Taxon Bot 34(2): 440-450.
  • Chandra R, Azeez PA (2009) Bioaccumulation of metals in different parts of weed species at proposed bauxite mines. Adv Mat Res 71-73: 609-612.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2009) Biodiesel: Freedom from dependence on fossil fuels? Res J Clim Environ Energy 1(1): 31-52.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Mythily D, Sarimol SR, Azeez PA (2007) Nutrients and alkali metal distribution in the top soil of bauxite rich hillocks in Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh, India. Environ Sci: Indian J 2(3): 145-153.

In Books/Proceedings:

  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK (In Press) Restoration Ecology. For M.Sc. Environment Science Programme in Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode by IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University), New Delhi.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2017) Land Degradation. In: Challenges to sustainable development. For the book on PG Diploma in Sustainability Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. pp. 5 – 20.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2017) Desertification. In: Challenges to sustainable development. For the book on PG Diploma in Sustainability Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. pp. 21 – 40.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2017) Biopiracy. In: Challenges to sustainable development. For the book on PG Diploma in Sustainability Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. pp. 56 – 68.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2017) Overpopulation and resource depletion. In: Challenges to sustainable development. For the book on PG Diploma in Sustainability Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. pp. 5 – 23.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2017) Energy Crisis. In: Challenges to sustainable development. For the book on PG Diploma in Sustainability Science, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. pp. 24 – 39.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2012) Cu, Pb and Zn Fractionation in a Savannah Type Grassland Soil. In: Geochemistry – Earth’s System Processes (Ed. Dionisios Panagiotaras). InTech Open Science / Open Mind Publishers, Croatia – European Union, pp. 413-428.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2009) Biomass and productivity of plant community in a rainfed monsoonal wetland ecosystem with specific emphasis on its temporal variability. In: International Wetlands: Ecology, Conservation and Restoration (Ed. Herrera JR). Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA. pp. 57-77.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, ShahHussain M, Azeez PA (2009) Catchment Changes Influence the Arrival Pattern of Fishes into a Monsoonal Wetland System. In: International Wetlands: Ecology, Conservation and Restoration (Ed. Herrera JR). Nova Science Publishers, New York, USA. 319 pp. 79-96.

Edited Book/Monograph

  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (Eds) (2017) Wetland science: Perspectives from South Asia. Springer Verlag Press. 587 p.
  • Chandra R (2012) Nutrients and heavy metals in a tropical savannah: a case of Araku, Eastern Ghats, India. LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Germany. 144 p.

Popular Articles:

  • Mishra SR, R Chandra (2017) From phytoextraction to phytomining. guide.net, vol. 6. no. 1, pp. 4-5.
  • Chandra R, Thivakaran GA (2016) Exigency of Mangrove Park in Kachchh Region. guide.net, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 4-5.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK (2016) Deserted Desert Grasslands: The Banni. guide.net, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 12-13.
  • Chandra R (2011) Biodiversity banking and currencies: conservation steps towards sustainable development. Eco Enviro Post, vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 5.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK (2006) Sighting of nest of Dusky Horned Owl (Bubo coromandus) in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Newsletter for Birdwatchers, vol. 46, no. 5, pp. 79.

Manual:

  • Chandra R, VijayKumar V, Shah R (2020) Multi-species Mangrove Biodiversity Park in Kachchh, Gujarat. 29 pp.
  • Prabhu K, Chandra R, VijayKumar V (2017-2018) GUIDE’s Annual Report. 64 pp.
  • Chandra R, VijayKumar V (2016-2017) GUIDE’s Annual Report. 72 pp.
  • Asari RV, Chandra R (2014-2015) GUIDE’s Annual Report. 64 pp.

Conferences:

  • Kashyap S, Chandra R, Kumar B, Verma P (2020) Screening and identification of endophytic bacterial strains from Vignia radiata and its application in biosorption of heavy metal and dye decolourization. In: 2nd International Conference on Bioprocess for Sustainable Environment and Energy (ICBSEE-2020), Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering, NIT, Rourkela, Odisha 5-7 March 2020.
  • Kashyap S, Kumar B, Chandra R, Verma P (2018) Screening of Nickel Tolerant Endophytic Bacteria from Plants Growing in Nickel Contaminated Soil. In: International Conference on Trends in Biochemical and Biomedical Research: Advances and Challenges, BHU, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 13-15 February 2018.
  • Darshi SB, Chandra R, Mishra SR (2015) Kinetics and equilibrium of copper ion removal. In: 12th International Conference on Phytotechnologies for Sustainable Development, Manhattan, Kansas 27-30 September 2015.
  • Kaila JA, Chandra R, Mishra SR (2015) Removal of nickel from aqueous solution using black soil. In: 12th International Conference on Phytotechnologies for Sustainable Development, Manhattan, Kansas 27-30 September 2015.
  • Mishra SR, Chandra R (2015) Adsorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solution using Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaves. In: 12th International Conference on Phytotechnologies for Sustainable Development, Manhattan, 27-30 September 2015.
  • Chandra R, PA Azeez (2015) Metal hyperaccumulation: phytotechnologies and sustainable mining. In: Meech Symposium under the banner Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit, Antalya, Turkey 4-9 October 2015.
  • Chandra R, Mishra SR, Thivakaran GA (2015) Climate change and its impact on mangroves. In: International conference on Climate Change and Social-Ecological-Economical Interface-Building: Modelling Approach to Exploring Potential Adaptation Strategies for Bio-resource Conservation and Livelihood Development, ISSE, Bangalore and University of Kassel, Germany 20-21 May 2015.
  • Chandra R, Sathya V, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA, Mahimairaja S (2014) The Kolar Gold Mines, India: present status and prospects for phytomining. In: International Symposium on Sustainable Mining and Processing under the banner Shechtman International Symposium, Cancun, Mexico 29 June-04 July 2014.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2011) Ecological, social and climate change dimensions of Keoladeo National Park wetland ecosystem, Bharatpur, India: challenges and options for its revival. In: 4th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2011), Merida, Mexico 21-25 August 2011.
  • Murugesan M, Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Arun PR, Bhupathy S (2011) Avifauna of Oussudu Sanctuary, Puducherry: A Review. In: First International Conference on Indian Ornithology (ICIO-2011), SACON, Tamil Nadu 19-23 November 2011.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2011) Is the changing Human-Environment Interactions in and around Keoladeo National Park, India, a Climate induced phenomenon? In: International Humboldt Kolleg regional and expert international conference on adaptive management of ecosystems: the knowledge systems of societies for adaptation and mitigation of impacts of climate change, ISEC, Bangalore 19-21 October 2011.
  • Chandra R, Azeez PA (2009) Bioaccumulation of metals in different parts of weed species at proposed bauxite mines. In: 18th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium 2009 (IBS-09). Bariloche, Argentina 13-17 September 2009.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Pati S, Azeez PA (2009) Wildfire effects on soil processes: insights and management challenges. In: 7th International Conference on Geomorphology, Melbourne, Australia 7-12 July 2009.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2007) Hydroperiod induced vegetation changes in a semi tropical monsoonal wetland. In: International Conference on Opportunities and Challenges in Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences. Vellalar College for Women, Erode, India 22–23 February 2007.
  • Mishra SR, Chandra R (2018) Phytoextraction of Copper and Nickel by Vigna radiata under varying soil fractions. In: National Seminar on Environmental Pollution & Climate Change (EPCC-2018), ISTAR, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat 30 January 2018.
  • Chandra R, Prajapati JN, Mishra SR (2018) Assessing suitable metal concentrations for bacterial assemblage. In: National Seminar on Environmental Pollution & Climate Change (EPCC-2018), ISTAR, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat 30 January 2018.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2017) Decadal Changes in Circadian Pattern of Fish Movements in a Feeder Channel of a Semi-tropical Monsoonal Wetland. In: National Conference on Behavioural Ecology: Responses to Changing Climate, GUIDE, Gujarat 24-25 November 2017.
  • Mishra SR and Chandra R (2017) Constructed wetlands: an eco-friendly approach. In: Dwindling wetlands – impacts on livelihood and ecosystem services (DWILES-2017), Christ University, Bengaluru 30-31 January 2017.
  • Prusty BAK, Mahato AKR, Chandra R, Bhatt JB, Chauhan J, Gohel A, Paradva B, Gajera NB (2016) Evaluation of Open Defecation Free Scenario in Narmada District, Gujarat. In: Odisha Environment Congress (OES)-2016, Bhubaneswar 20-22 December 2016
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Mishra SR (2015) Avifauna of Sambhar lake, Rajasthan: a bibliographic review, issues and threats. In: National Symposium on dryland birds strategy for conservation and management, GUIDE, Gujarat 09-10 January 2015.
  • Sharpanabharathi N, Chandra R, Azeez PA, Swathy KS (2014) Agrochemicals usage and cropping pattern around Oussudu wetland, Puducherry. In: National Seminar on Frontiers in Environmental Research and Applications, Periyar University 18 February 2014.
  • Chandra R (2012) Trends and Perspectives in Bioremediation of Contaminated Soil. In: National Conference on Biotechnology and Biodiversity, biological resources conservation management and sustainable uses, APS University, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh 13-14 March 2012.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2010) Ecological and social dimensions of Prosopis juliflora in drylands of Western India: management challenges. In: National Seminar on tropical ecosystems: structure, function and services, IFGTB, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 28-29 December 2010.
  • Murugesan M, Chandra R, Kavitha K, BAK Prusty, Arun PR (2010) Conservation value of Ousteri Lake, Puducherry, India: a wetland of international importance. In: National Seminar on tropical ecosystems: structure, function and services, IFGTB, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 28-29 December 2010.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2009) Impact of Prosopis juliflora on herbaceous diversity in Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur. In: National Symposium on Prosopis: Ecological, Economic Significance and Management Challenges, GUIDE, Gujarat 20-21 February 2009.
  • Azeez PA, Chandra R (2009) Prosopis juliflora, the tree of the poor: Challenges and Management Options. In: National Symposium on Prosopis: Ecological, Economic Significance and Management Challenges, GUIDE, Gujarat 20-21 February 2009.
  • Nishadh KA, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2008) Pollution Status and Conservation of Lakes in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. In: Lakes 2008, IISc, Bangalore 22-24 December 2008.
  • Chandra R, Azeez PA (2008) Management options for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem and its associated biodiversity; a case in Calicut, Kerala. In: National Seminar on Coastal Wetland Ecosystems of Kerala: Perspectives and Conservational Strategies, SN College, Kannur, Kerala 16-17 October 2008.
  • Prusty BAK, R Chandra, Azeez PA (2007) Cu, Pb and Zn fractionation in a savannah type grassland soil. In: National Seminar on Environment and Sustainable Development, Sambalpur University, Orissa 17-18 March 2007.
  • Chandra R, BAK Prusty, Azeez PA, Prasad SN (2007) Biomass and productivity of plant community in a wetland ecosystem. In: National Seminar on Environment and Sustainable Development, Sambalpur University, Orissa 17-18 March 2007.
  • Prusty BAK, Chandra R, Azeez PA (2007). Heavy metal partitioning in the grassland soil in Keoladeo National Park, India. In: National Conference on Environmental Challenges and Management, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 8-9 March 2007.
  • Chandra R, Prusty BAK, Azeez PA (2007). Fry recruitment in the wetland system of Keoladeo National Park, India. In: National Conference on Environmental Challenges and Management, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 8-9 March 2007.
  • Prusty BAK, R Chandra, Azeez PA, Jagadeesh EP (2007). Chemical speciation of metals in the soil profile of Keoladeo National Park wetland system, Bharatpur, India, XIX Kerala Science Congress, Kerala 29-31 January 2007.

Technical Reports:

  • Preparation of Action Plan for Conservation of Mangroves and Mudflats in CRZ area of Dahej PCPIR. VijayKumar V, Prabhu K, Behera DP, Chandra R, Gajera NB, Sivaraj S, PrabhaDevi L, Parmar D, Pal P (2021), 79 pp.
  • Holistic Marine Ecological Monitoring in Deendayal Port Environment with Special reference to Biodiversity and Preparation of Management Plan – Phase II. Vijay Kumar V, Prabhu K,  Behera DP, Chandra R, Gajera NB, Sivaraj S, PrabhaDevi L, Parmar D, Pal P (2021), 147 pp.
  • Mangrove Biodiversity Enrichment in and around Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL), Kachchh, Gujarat – Phase III. Prabhu K, Behera DP, Sivaraj S, Chandra R (2021), 07 pp.
  • Mangrove Biodiversity Enrichment in and around Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL), Kachchh, Gujarat – Phase II. Saravanan KR, Chandra R (2020), 08 pp.
  • Mangrove Biodiversity Enrichment in and around Adani Ports Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL), Kachchh, Gujarat – Phase I. Chandra R, Saravanan KR (2020), 18 pp.
  • Environmental Impact of Incidence of Intermediate Storage Tank. Chandra R, Sengani PD, Sharma A (2020), 17 pp.
  • Ecological survey and fishery as livelihood option near Bhavnagar, Gujarat. Chandra R, Gajera NB, Behera DP (2019), 22 pp.
  • Studies on Biological Activity of a Few Inter-tidal Areas of the Kandla. Chandra R, Vijaykumar V (2019), 10 pp.
  • Soil Study in 10 Km study area of M/s. Gallantt Metal Ltd. situated at Village – Samakhiyali, Tehsil -Bhachau, District – Kachchh, Gujarat. Chandra R, Sengani PD, Kashyap S (2019), 20 pp.
  • Rapid Assessment of Ichthyofauna Recruitment into Keoladeo National Park from Govardhan River and Pachna Dam. Chandra R, Benjamin S, Das DP (2019), 26 pp.
  • Assessment and Monitoring of Mangrove Plantation (1300 Ha) carried out by Deendayal Port Trust, Kandla. Thivakaran GA, Chandra R, Thirumaran G, Parbhu K, Behera DP (2018), 44 pp.
  • Marine Ecological Studies for Revamping Pipelines of Oil Jetties of Deendayal Port, Kandla, Gujarat. VijayKumar V, Thivakaran GA, Karthikeyan K, Chandra R, Prabhu K, Behera DP (2018).
  • Holistic marine ecological monitoring of Deendayal Port Environment with Special Reference to Biodiversity and Preparation of Management Plan. Thivakaran GA, Chandra R, Karthikeyan K (2018), 175 pp.
  • Study on the impact of Wandh Bandhara on environment and socio-economics. VijayKumar V, Mahato AKR, Chandra R, Bhatt JB, Gajera NB (2017), 54 pp.
  • Sand dunes stabilization and rehabilitation of ecologically important Beach Habitats in Ratnagiri District. Prusty BAK, Gajera NB, Chandra R, Thivakaran GA (2017), 118 pp.
  • Rapid assessment of ichthyofauna recruitment into Keoladeo National Park. Prusty BAK, Chandra R (2016), 41 pp.
  • A rapid assessment report on evaluation of open defecation free scenario in Narmada district, Gujarat. Vijaykumar V, Prusty BAK, Mahato AKR, Chandra R, Bhatt JB, Gajera NB (2016), 101 pp.
  • Conservation and monitoring for natural mangrove stands of 1254 ha at Mundra (Phase-II). Thivakaran GA, Chandra R, Thirumaran G, Logesh AR (2016), 52 pp.
  • Evaluation of 587.9 hectare mangrove plantation by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZL) at Kachchh coast-second study. Thivakaran GA, AR Logesh, Thirumaran G, Chandra R (2016), 18 pp.
  • Biological Assessment of unique Inland Mangrove of Guneri Village: a Proposed Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) in Kachchh, Gujarat. Mahato AKR, Kumar R, Chandra R, Bhatt JB, Gajera N (2016), 95 pp.
  • Study on present status, conservation and management plan for mangrove of Kandla Port Region. Thivakaran GA, Thirumaran G, Chandra R, Parmar D, Lal N (2015), 55 pp.
  • Investigations into the levels of pesticides and heavy metals in and around Oussudu Lake, Puducherry. Chandra R, Bharathi S, Azeez PA, Murugesan S (2015), 51 pp.
  • Comprehensive Management Action Plan for Conservation of Oussudu Sanctuary, Puducherry. Prusty BAK, Arun PR, Bhupathy S, Murugesan M, Chandra R (2011), 118 pp.
  • Bioavailability of heavy metals in soils and select plant species in opencast mines. Chandra R (2011), 47 pp.
  • Conservation of Kottuli Wetlands, Calicut, Kerala. Azeez PA, Bhupathy S, Nikhilraj PP, Chandra R (2009), 66 pp.
  • Study of habitat and development of Environment Management Plan for Blewitti’s owl in Araku, Andhra Pradesh. Azeez PA, Bhupathy S, Chandra R, Selvakumar T (2008), 89 pp.
  • Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment of the India-based Neutrino Observatory Project, Singara, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. Azeez PA, Bhupathy S, Chandra R, Nikhilraj PP (2007), 86 pp.

Other professional contribution:

  • Lectures delivered in workshops/Training Programme
  • Kachchh Biosphere Reserve: The Rann. In: Five-day National Webinar on Biosphere Reserves of India – Identification, Conservation and Management. 15-19 March 2021.
  • Mainstreaming Wetlands in Disaster Risk Reduction: Land use planning, integrated water resources management. In: Residential training program on Wetland Eco-system Conservation for DRR. Organized by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management Date, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 27-28 October 2020.
  • Heavy metals in environment. Serial lecture under the “Programme for teachers in OBA”. Organized by Odisha Bigyan Academy. 16 October 2020.
  • Desert Ecosystems. Human Resource Development Center-UGC, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra. 25 September 2020.
  • Eco-System Conservation for Disaster Risk Reduction. Webinar: Awareness Program on Eco-System Conservation for Disaster Risk Reduction. Organized by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management Date, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 21 November 2019.
  • REIA and Integrating Eco-DRR in Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction in Gujarat. In Training Programme: Residential Training Program on Eco-System Conservation for Disaster Risk Reduction Organized by Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management Date, Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 28-30 May 2019.
  • Coastal Sand Dunes Restoration and Conservation. In Orientation Programme: Coastal Sand Dunes. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Anjarle, Maharashtra. 29 March 2017.
  • Mangrove Studies in Gujarat: Status and Research Needs. In workshop: World Mangrove Day. Organized by Department of Marine Science, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat. 26 July 2016.
  • Impact of climate change on mangroves. In workshop: Climate change and mangroves-Kachchh context. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Regenta hotel, Bhuj, Gujarat. 24 April 2015.
  • Mangroves, Climate Change, Sea Level Rise (SLR) and Adaptive strategies. In workshop: Climate change and mangroves-Kachchh context. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Theba Guest House, Jamnagar, Gujarat. 19 May 2015. 

Workshops / Symposium hosted

  • Mangroves and Carbon trading, and Carbon Market and REDD. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Regenta hotel, Bhuj 07 July 2015.
  • Climate change and mangroves – Gulf of Kachchh context. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Theba Guest House, Jamnagar 19 May 2015.
  • Climate change and mangroves – Kachchh context. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at Regenta hotel, Bhuj 24 April 2015.
  • National Symposium on dryland birds strategy for conservation and management, Bhuj, Gujarat. Organized by GUIDE, Bhuj, Gujarat at KSKV Kachchh University, Bhuj 09-10 January 2015.

Workshops / Orientation programme attended

  • Orientation Programme on Coastal Sand Dunes Restoration and Conservation, Anjarle, Maharashtra 29 March 2017.
  • Technical Working Group Meeting on Landscape Restoration Mapping and Monitoring. Organized by World Resource Institute (WRI) in Bangalore 15 November 2016.
  • Workshop on National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031) for Bharatpur region. Organized by CCFWL, Rajasthan 30 June 2016.
  • Inception Workshop, Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM). Organized by World Resource Institute (WRI) at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi 05-06 May 2016.
  • Brain storming session on Quaternary Geology of western India: Present status and future perspectives. Organized by Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, K.S.K.V. Kachchh University 08 February 2016.
  • Community-Corporate partnership for mangroves and biodiversity conservation in Kachchh, Gujarat. Organized by Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd. – Tata Powers, Mandvi, Gujarat 14 March 2015.
  • Atomic Spectroscopy: MP-AES & ICP-MS for Environmental Monitoring – Issues in Sample Preparation, Clean Chemistry and Method Optimization. Organized by Agilent Technologies Pvt. Ltd. at their Centre of Excellence Manesar in New Delhi 16 December 2014.
  • Analytical Techniques. Organized by Agilent Technologies Pvt. Ltd., at SITRA, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu during October 2013.
  • Alien Invasive Species in Forests of South India, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala 25 May 2010.

Student Guidance

  • 01 Ph.D. degree awarded (Co-guide) from KSKV Kachchh University, Gujarat
  • 01 Ph.D. degree ongoing (Co-guide) from RK University, Gujarat

Professional affiliations: Memberships in professional bodies:

  • Life Membership of Ethological Society of India (ESI)
  • Reviewer for various Journals of Elsevier, Springer, and Taylor & Francis group.

Awards/recognitions:

  • Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Senior Research Fellow (SRF), New Delhi, (2009).
  • Young Scientist Travel Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, (2009).
  • DST INSPIRE Faculty Scheme, Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, (2013 – 2018).

Previous Organisation:

Senior Scientist, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE), Bhuj-Kachchh, Gujarat.

Achievements:

Holds a doctoral degree in Environmental Sciences for the work on nutrients and trace metals in soils with specific emphasis on metal hyperaccumulators.
Recipient of DST-INSPIRE Faculty award by DST, New Delhi.
Young Scientist Travel Fellowship Award, Department of Science and Technology (DST),Delhi, India, for Attending Abroad Conferences.

Dr. Rachna Chandra says:

I understand that the Faculty of Agriculture in Sri Sri University would be an ideal institution toCarry out the above-mentioned research programmes, which will be the application of environmental technologies in agricultural and allied research.Develop courses in these domains.Prepare a cadre of human resources in the said and allied domains.