The GeoHEAL Lab investigates the spatio-temporal patterns of climate variability and extreme events to understand their cascading impacts on ecosystems and human societies. By integrating tree-ring-based reconstructions, copula-based drought return analyses, and high-resolution meteorological datasets, we uncover emerging trends such as increasing pre-monsoon drought frequency and heightened intraseasonal monsoon variability across the Northwest Himalayas and the Western Plains of India (Lal et al., 2025; Mehta et al., 2025; Devi Lal et al., 2025). Complementing these climate-focused studies, research on glacier mass balance and retreat, covering glaciers such as Upper Bhagirathi, Bara Shigri, and Parvati, provides critical insights into hydrological shifts, altered runoff patterns, and downstream water security (Halder et al., 2025; Chand et al., 2017, 2020, 2015). By linking these physical climate dynamics with agricultural systems and water-dependent livelihoods, our work identifies region-specific vulnerabilities and informs adaptive strategies that enhance societal resilience to climate change. Through this integrated approach, the lab contributes to a nuanced understanding of how changing climate regimes propagate through environmental and socio-economic systems, enabling evidence-based decision-making for sustainable development. 

Continuous monitoring of glacial–climate interactions in the Himalaya is critical due to the rising global temperatures and their impacts on mountain glaciers. Our research addresses how climatic parameters and topography influence glacier dynamics across Himalayan basins. Using high- to medium-resolution satellite imagery and extensive field validation, we assessed glacier changes from individual glaciers to regional scales, updated inconsistent glacier inventories, and highlighted inaccuracies in previously reported recession rates that relied on historical topographic maps (International Journal of Remote Sensing, 2015; Global and Planetary Change, 2015; National Academy Science Letters, 2016).

We further investigated post-Little Ice Age deglaciation using a multi-data integrated analysis (MIDA) approach, reconstructing glacier fluctuations in the Lahaul Himalaya (Progress in Physical Geography, 2017). Building on this, we explored paleoclimate conditions by examining geomorphic–climate interactions over long and recent timescales. Detailed field mapping and OSL dating in NW Himalaya (Lahaul and Zanskar) identified multiple glaciation events of decreasing magnitude, including a local Last Glacial Maximum predating the global LGM, an early Holocene expansion driven by monsoon intensification, and phases in eastern Zanskar linked to North Atlantic climatic perturbations (Geoscience, 2017; Journal of Quaternary Science, 2016). These studies provide critical insights into Himalayan glacier dynamics and their climatic drivers across spatial and temporal scales.

Our research focuses on disaster risk assessment and adaptation strategies by integrating geospatial, statistical, and field-based approaches. We quantify hazards such as floods in the Higher Himalaya (Rana et al., 2021), cyclonic storms along Odisha’s coast (Mishra et al., 2019, 2021), lightning fatalities, and coastal erosion, mapping socio-ecological vulnerabilities and intervention hotspots (Mishra et al., 2022). Historical and contemporary glacial hazards, including surging glaciers and river-damming events in the Karakoram and Garhwal Himalaya, highlight cascading risks from climate extremes (Bhambri et al., 2020, 2023).

By integrating local perceptions, adaptation behaviors, and infrastructure assessments, our work provides actionable recommendations for disaster risk reduction, enhancing community resilience. We assess both natural and anthropogenic hazards globally and develop risk-based adaptation strategies to support strategic planning and sustainable development. For instance, our 2020 study (Scientific Reports) documented active glacier surges in the Karakoram, showing how ice-dammed lakes can trigger devastating GLOFs, threatening villages, roads, and critical infrastructure. Similarly, our research on Odisha’s coast (Environmental Earth Science, 2019) revealed cyclic phases of shoreline erosion, accretion, and stabilization linked to severe cyclones. We also provide rapid impact assessments of extreme cyclones in Odisha and conduct comprehensive Hazard, Risk, Vulnerability, and Capacity (HRVC) assessments, preparing district-level disaster management plans for hill states in India (DDMP, 2017).

In rapidly evolving landscapes, the GeoHEAL Lab investigates how climate-driven transformations reshape ecosystems and influence human livelihoods, generating insights that inform strategies for sustainable environmental management and adaptive governance. Studies of post-glacial succession provide a window into ecosystem dynamics, revealing how plant communities, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil nematodes respond to glacier retreat and subsequent habitat changes (Ficetola et al., 2024; Cantera et al., 2024; Carteron et al., 2023; Guerrieri et al., 2023). Complementing these ecological investigations, hydrological and land-use analyses in river basins (Dofee & Chand, 2024; Dofee et al., 2024) and coastal systems (Mishra et al., 2023, 2021, 2019) illuminate the relationships between landscape transformation, ecosystem service provision, water availability, and shoreline stability. Recognizing that human and environmental systems are deeply intertwined, research on socio-cultural dimensions—including community adaptation in Himalayan and coastal regions—reveals how local practices, governance structures, and cultural knowledge influence resilience and adaptive capacity (Baruah et al., 2021; Lal et al., 2025). Together, these interdisciplinary approaches provide a holistic understanding of the feedbacks between environmental change and human well-being, offering pathways to foster sustainability in dynamic landscapes. 

In our research, we extensively use advanced Geo-informatics techniques (Optical to Passive i.e. Radar and Lidar and geo-spatial modelling) to comprehend the dynamic Earth system components with real-world implications for sustainable livelihood (Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 2019), water resources, natural hazards (Scientific Reports, 2020 & DDMP, 2017) and climate change impacts (Journal of Earth System Science, 2012). Most of our earth observations research use a modern planetary-scale platform for Earth science data & analysis (e.g. GEE) and Computer Programing to answer questions that cannot be addressed using conventional approaches. Our research group provides following geo-spatial solutions that translate knowledge into actionable information.

• Monitoring and assessment of the Cryosphere (glaciers and glacial lakes) and related hazards (e.g. GLOFs).

• Three-dimensional topographical analysis.

• Long- to short-term coastal zone management planning.

• GIS/remote sensing in hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment;

• Forest vulnerability assessments and adaptation planning.

• Multi-scale flood risk mapping.

• Geo-informatics applications for fostering the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Many more..