Prof. (Dr.) Laxmi Kant Sharma obtained his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany, specializing in ecology and environment, from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. He further enhanced his expertise by completing a PG diploma and an M.Tech in Remote Sensing & GIS from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (ISRO), Dehradun. His academic journey was supported by a CSIR fellowship from 2000 to 2006.

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Prof. Sharma’s academic career has been marked by significant contributions to teaching and research. He began his teaching career at Birla Institute of Technology (BIT-Mesra), Ranchi, and later joined the Central University of Jharkhand, serving from 2007 to 2015. Currently, he is a Professor and the Head of the Department of Environmental Science at the Central University of Rajasthan (CURAJ), Ajmer. In addition to his teaching and research roles, he has held key administrative positions, including Dean of the School of Earth Sciences, Executive Council member, and Proctor of CURAJ.

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Prof. Sharma is a prolific researcher, having authored over 100 peer-reviewed international journal articles and 25 national articles. He has also written three books, edited one, and contributed to numerous book chapters. His work is widely recognized, and he serves on the editorial boards of several international journals. His membership in the Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) of the IUCN from 2021-2025 highlights his global engagement and expertise.

 

One of his notable achievements is his research on the 3-PG model, which has been cited by the University of British Columbia, Canada. His work on local environmental issues, particularly the Thar Desert, Aravalli Hills, and Sambhar Lake, has garnered global recognition from various scientific institutions and the media. His study on the Sambhar Wetland was featured on the RAMSAR Convention's 50th Anniversary website, underscoring its international impact.

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Prof. Sharma’s commitment to education and research was recently recognized when he received the "Best Teacher Award 2023" from the Honourable Governor of Rajasthan, Shri Kalraj Mishra. This accolade highlighted his outstanding contributions to environmental science and technology and his dedication to fostering higher research among students at CURAJ.

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The significance of Prof. Sharma’s research lies in its practical applications and global recognition. His investigations into the Aravalli range's land-use dynamics, the Thar Desert's land degradation and desertification, and the ecological risks to Sambhar Salt Lake have provided valuable insights and practical solutions for sustainable urban planning, conservation efforts, and ecological balance. His studies have equipped policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders with critical data and frameworks to promote sustainable management and development practices.

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Specifically, his work on the Aravalli range has shed light on land-use dynamics using remote sensing and machine learning, offering valuable insights for sustainable urban planning and conservation. His research on the Thar Desert integrates climate, vegetation, and socio-economic data to monitor land degradation and desertification, presenting practical solutions to combat these issues. Additionally, his study on Sambhar Salt Lake emphasizes the ecological and economic risks posed by its shrinkage, advocating for urgent conservation measures. The whole world is facing several environmental challenges that require holistic solutions. In recent decades, a colour-based terminology has emerged to address the distribution and specific roles of organic carbon in environmental ecosystems. Teal carbon is also a part of the spectrum of six known colours of carbon: teal, green, blue, red, black and brown carbon.  The concept of teal carbon includes inland shallow wetland ecosystems facing a very high rate of area loss worldwide.

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His research not only advances scientific understanding but also provides practical solutions for critical ecological challenges, promoting a sustainable future for India and the world. His dedication to his students and his impactful research underscores his profound influence on both the academic community and society at large.

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