How do you personally and professionally relate to water and/or space technologies?

Personally, I have always been fascinated by the dynamic relationship between natural resources and technological advancements. Water, as a crucial resource, plays an essential role in sustaining life, and space technologies, like remote sensing, provide an incredible opportunity to monitor and manage this vital resource. This personal curiosity naturally evolved into a professional commitment, where I have focused on applying advanced geospatial and remote sensing technologies to address pressing water-related issues like seawater intrusion and coastal erosion. Professionally, my research revolves around integrating remote sensing and AI to monitor coastal ecosystems, particularly focusing on seawater intrusion. The ability to leverage satellite imagery and space-based technologies to observe changes in water bodies and coastal aquifers allows for more accurate and timely data, which is critical for decision-making. By using these technologies, I can assess the impact of climate change and human activities on coastal environments, providing insights that can drive sustainable water management solutions. My work also ties closely to water resource challenges faced by vulnerable coastal communities. The intersection of space technology and water management not only enhances scientific understanding but also contributes to creating practical solutions that protect livelihoods and ecosystems, ensuring that communities have access to resilient environments.

How can space contribute to water resource management, hydrology, or any water-related field?

Space technology, particularly through remote sensing, significantly contributes to water resource management and hydrology across various regions, including groundwater and aquifers. The capability to observe Earth from space allows for a comprehensive understanding of water-related dynamics, impacting decision-making processes. Remote sensing satellites provide critical data on precipitation, snow cover, soil moisture, and other hydrological parameters with extensive spatial coverage. This information is invaluable for monitoring water availability, distribution, and changes over time, not only in surface water but also in groundwater systems. In the context of groundwater and aquifers management, remote sensing aids in mapping land subsidence, identifying potential areas of over extraction, and assessing the health of aquifer systems. For example, taking the example of the Indus Basin, remote sensing technologies can monitor changes in groundwater levels, helping authorities make informed decisions about sustainable water use. By analyzing satellite imagery, scientists and policymakers can identify regions facing groundwater depletion or contamination and implement targeted management strategies. The use of space technology in groundwater and aquifer management aligns with sustainability goals, allowing for informed decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and proactive measures to address water-related challenges. The ongoing advancements in remote sensing capabilities present continuous opportunities for enhancing our understanding of water systems, improving water resource management strategies, and ensuring the sustainable use of groundwater resources globally.

What is your proudest professional moment or favourite research project?

Throughout my career as an early-career researcher, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a diverse range of impactful projects. The journey has started. However, if I would have to pick one as of now it was when my research publication was accepted on seawater intrusion, which integrates remote sensing and AI technologies from data fusion techniques to address critical resource challenges, gained recognition across multiple research projects for its innovative approach. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how my contributions were valued both academically and its importance in supporting the future decision-making processes for sustainable coastal management and planning. It is also available at the Living Indus portal, an initiative in Pakistan dedicated for the revival of the Indus River including the delta region.

How does space technology contribute to water related aspects of the SDGs, preferably related to SDG 6?

Space technology plays a pivotal role in advancing various aspects of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water. In the context of SDG 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, space technology contributes significantly to the monitoring, assessment, and sustainable use of water resources. One example is the development of a groundwater management information system that provides support to local communities residing in water-scarce areas of Punjab facing groundwater challenges. Space technology has been instrumental in identifying hotspots with high groundwater depletion, which need to be prioritized in further plans of action. Additionally, space technology has proven essential in addressing water-related aspects of the SDGs, with a specific emphasis on sustainable groundwater management planning. Satellite imagery and remote sensing techniques provide critical data that can inform effective water management strategies. For example, remote sensing technology can be utilized to determine d changes in groundwater level, enabling  the implementation of measures to safeguard vulnerable areas from intense groundwater depletion and prevent further depletion of groundwater sources. As monitoring groundwater level changes also helps in assessing the sustainability of water sources, and ensuring more efficient water resource management for agricultural and urban use contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting sustainable water management planning.

How could these examples be built upon and expanded in the future?

Looking ahead, there are several avenues to build upon and expand the examples of using space technology for water-related aspects of the SDGs. First and foremost, investing in enhanced satellite technology is crucial. By developing higher-resolution imagery and improving spectral capabilities, we can acquire more detailed and current information about water resources, enabling better decision making for sustainable water management. Additionally, integrating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning with space-based data holds promise. This integration could enhance our ability to analyze complex datasets, allowing for predictive modeling and early warning systems for water-related disasters. It's also vital to prioritize community engagement and capacity building, ensuring that local communities are equipped to use space-based information for sustainable water management. Collaborating internationally and sharing best practices, data, and technological resources can lead to more comprehensive solutions. Advocating for the integration of space technology findings into water management policies and fostering public-private partnerships will be key to driving the implementation of these advancements. Moreover, investing in research and development, establishing education and training programs, and building a skilled workforce are essential steps in ensuring a sustainable and knowledgeable approach to using space technology for water management.

Please tell us about your work at the International Water Management Institute?

At IWMI, my work is focused more on artificial intelligence and data mining techniques, integrating them with remote sensing datasets to enhance water management systems and irrigation management. This approach allows for more precise predictions and better resource allocation, ultimately supporting farmers in optimizing their water use. Additionally, my involvement in various projects includes integrating remote sensing techniques to analyze and monitor water resources effectively as well as the groundwater monitoring and management information system. Through these initiatives, I aim to develop sustainable practices that not only boost agricultural productivity but also ensure the responsible management of water resources in the face of climate challenges.

As a Remote Sensing Analyst you worked on image orthorectification, mosaicking, satellite image classification including object detection and parcel mapping. Can you explain to a layman what that is and, what machine learning and algorithmic fundaments a remote sensing expert with up to date knowledge should have to today to excel?

As a Remote Sensing Analyst, my work involves processing satellite images to create accurate representations of the Earth’s surface, which can be explained in simpler terms through several key tasks. Image orthorectification is akin to fixing a distorted picture when satellite images are captured, they can appear skewed due to a terrain. Orthorectification corrects these distortions, ensuring that the images accurately reflect the true positions and shapes of features on the ground. Whereas, Mosaicking, can be likened to assembling a large puzzle like this process stitches together multiple satellite images to create a seamless representation of a larger area, useful for obtaining comprehensive views of landscapes, such as forests or agricultural fields. It is a bit like identifying different colors in a painting and labeling each section. The object detection, involves pinpointing specific objects or features within an image, such as buildings, roads, or structures. This is crucial for application like urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure. As, familiarity with machine learning techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning methods such as Random Forests and neural networks, is essential for classifying images and detecting objects. Whereas, parcel mapping, describes a parcel of land or piece of land, defined by a series of measured straight or curved lines that connect to form a polygon. This geometric boundary is used to accurately represent property lines for land ownership, urban planning, and other land management purposes.

Your researched seawater intrusion in Pakistan, can you elaborate on your research findings or challenges?

My research on seawater intrusion (SWI) in Pakistan highlighted significant challenges related to the degradation of coastal aquifers, particularly in areas like the Indus Delta. One of the primary findings was the alarming rate at which saline water is encroaching into freshwater aquifers, exacerbated by factors such as reduced freshwater flow from rivers, and climate change. This intrusion not only compromises the quality of drinking water but also negatively impacts agricultural productivity by salinizing farmland, threatening food security for local communities. Moreover, the encroachment of seawater poses a severe threat to mangrove ecosystems, which serve as critical buffers against coastal erosion and provide essential habitat for diverse marine life. The loss of mangroves due to seawater intrusion reduces the natural resilience of coastlines, making them more vulnerable to storm surges and further environmental degradation. The protection and restoration of mangrove habitats is crucial for mitigating the impacts of SWI while also supporting local fisheries and enhancing biodiversity. Globally, SWI is a pressing issue in various coastal regions, including parts of Mediterranean, and countries in Southeast Asia. As sea levels rise and freshwater resources become scarcer due to climate variability, many of these regions face increasing risks from SWI. Despite the urgency of addressing this issue, it often does not receive adequate attention in discussions around food security and sustainable resource management. In addition to compromising freshwater supplies and agricultural viability, SWI poses other risks, including the loss of biodiversity in coastal ecosystems and the degradation of infrastructure due to salinity damage. It can also lead to increased competition for limited water resources, heightening tensions among communities and exacerbating social inequalities. Given these interconnected challenges, it is crucial to prioritize research and implement integrated water management strategies that consider the implications of SWI on food security, coastal resilience, and overall environmental sustainability for future generations.

You also researched on integrating Remoting Sensing and AI for monitoring and assessing SWI. Could you compare traditional methods and AI? What problems can AI solve in your field that traditional methods can't?

In traditional methods for monitoring SWI, researchers often rely on ground-based data collection and direct measurements, manual satellite image based coastal digitization as well sampling and hydrogeological surveys. These approaches can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it challenging to cover large and diverse coastal areas effectively. Additionally, traditional methods may not adequately capture the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of seawater intrusion, particularly in regions with varying land cover and geological characteristics. While remote sensing techniques have been utilized in past studies, they often lack the systematic integration of AI, limiting their effectiveness in providing real-time data and insights. In contrast, the integration of AI and remote sensing technologies offers significant advantages for addressing these challenges. AI algorithms, such as deep learning frameworks such as EfficientNet U-Net and machine learning models, enable automatic feature extraction. This enhances the accuracy and efficiency of mapping coastal aquifers and assessing land loss due to erosion and SWI. AI can process vast amounts of data rapidly, identifying complex patterns and trends that traditional methods may overlook. By leveraging these capabilities, researchers can develop systematic approaches to monitor and mitigate coastal degradation, support informed coastal management, and incorporate nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction. Overall, AI enhances the ability to understand and address the multifaceted challenges posed by seawater intrusion in a way that traditional methods cannot achieve alone.

What is the most challenging problem in your current research SWI? And what was the biggest challenge you faced so far.

The most challenging problem in my current research is the integration of diverse datasets for accurately assessing SWI and coastal degradation. This process involves not only utilizing remote sensing data but also reconciling it with field-based observations to ensure the validity of the findings. The complexities of varying land covers along with the dynamic nature of coastal ecosystems require sophisticated modeling and feature extraction methods to achieve reliable results. Field verification and validation have been a priority objective of this study, particularly in sensitive coastal regions like parts of Indus Delta. These areas present unique challenges due to security concerns, especially for female researchers and students who may face difficulties accessing these locations. Visiting these coastal sites to conduct in-situ observations and engage with local communities has been fraught with logistical and safety challenges. Additionally, reaching out to coastal communities, who are among the most vulnerable groups affected by coastal degradation has proven to be a complex task. Many of these communities reside in remote locations that are only accessible by boat, making it difficult to obtain their inputs and feedback. Building trust and effectively communicating with these communities is crucial for gathering valuable insights, yet navigating the logistical challenges of reaching these remote areas remains a significant obstacle in my research efforts.

Your research interests cover a wide range of topics, such as groundwater hotspots, ground surface monitoring, global lakes monitoring and detection, flood detection, and seismic vulnerability and assessment. What role does remote sensing play? What are the advantages of using remote sensing to study them?

Remote sensing plays a crucial role in my research interests, providing a comprehensive and efficient means to monitor and assess various environmental phenomena, including groundwater hotspots, global lakes, flood detection, and seismic vulnerabilities. Utilizing satellite-based technologies and high-resolution imagery such as PlanetScope allows for large-scale data collection over vast and often inaccessible areas, making it possible to gather consistent and time-series data with high temporal resolution that is vital for understanding dynamic environmental changes. For instance, in groundwater studies, remote sensing can help identify recharge zones and monitor water table fluctuations without the need for extensive ground-based measurements. The advantages of using remote sensing are manifold. Firstly, it enables the collection of high-resolution spatial data, which can reveal patterns and changes that are not easily observable from the ground. Secondly, remote sensing allows for the integration of multi-spectral and multi-temporal datasets, facilitating the analysis of different surface properties and conditions, such as vegetation cover, moisture levels, and land use changes. This capability is particularly beneficial for flood detection, as it provides timely and accurate information on inundation extent and water movement during extreme weather events. Additionally, remote sensing supports the monitoring of endangered species populations by tracking habitat changes and assessing the impacts of human activities on these ecosystems. Ultimately, the use of remote sensing enhances the ability to make informed decisions for environmental management and disaster response, enabling more effective strategies for conservation and sustainability.

You emphasized the importance of community engagement. Could you provide examples of successful community engagement initiatives related to water resource management?

Community engagement is crucial in sustainable water resource management as it ensures that the needs and knowledge of local stakeholders are incorporated into decision-making processes. One successful initiative was about conducting hands-on capacity-building workshops aimed at promoting smart irrigation technologies. These workshops specifically target farmers, including women and youth, equipping them with skills to effectively manage irrigation demand and optimize water use. By actively engaging local communities in the learning process, this fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility toward sustainable water management. It also allowed to gain their valuable insights into their irrigation needs based on real-time environmental conditions. This participatory approach not only enhances their understanding of water management practices but also empowers them to make informed decisions regarding their irrigation strategies. Additionally, integrating machine learning models for irrigation demand forecasting into these training sessions provides farmers with timely insights, enhancing their ability to respond to varying climatic conditions and ultimately improving crop yields.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have been hot topics in recent years, and your research has also utilized them. In your opinion, how can the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with space-based data enhance our ability to address water-related challenges?

The integration of AI and ML with space-based data significantly enhances our capacity to address water-related challenges by enabling more accurate and timely assessments of water resources. Space-based data provides comprehensive coverage of large areas, capturing critical information such as precipitation patterns, evapotranspiration rates, and land-use changes. By leveraging AI and ML algorithms, we can analyze this vast amount of data more efficiently, uncovering complex relationships and patterns that would be difficult to discern through traditional methods. For instance, machine learning models can predict irrigation demand based on historical data and climatic variables, allowing for optimized water allocation and usage, which is crucial for agricultural sustainability. Moreover, the fusion of AI and space-based data facilitates proactive management of water resources, particularly in regions prone to droughts or flooding. Predictive analytics can be employed to assess risks and forecast potential water shortages, enabling timely interventions. This technology also aids in monitoring water quality by analyzing satellite imagery for demand-based indicators, thus supporting efforts to protect freshwater ecosystems. Overall, the integration of AI and ML with space-based data not only enhances our understanding of water dynamics but also empowers decision-makers with actionable insights, fostering more resilient and sustainable water management practices.

As a young professional, what do you feel is missing in the current scientific debate and management of water resources?

The perspectives of the younger researchers are essential for shaping sustainable solutions and should be actively included in discussions. Leadership programs and opportunities are crucial to address this gap, providing mentorship, fostering collaboration, and empowering young researchers. These initiatives can ensure a more dynamic and innovative approach to water resource challenges, equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed for effective and sustainable water management. Mentorship initiatives connecting young minds with seasoned experts can facilitate knowledge transfer and create collaborative platforms for exchanging ideas. By investing in capacity-building programs that provide training in the latest technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration, we can equip the younger generation with the skills needed for effective water resource management. These initiatives are crucial for cultivating a diverse and dynamic leadership that can bring fresh insights and innovative solutions to the forefront of sustainable water management practices.

What do you need to innovate?

To innovate effectively in the field of water resource management, I wanted to have a multifaceted approach that combines advanced technologies, collaboration, and community engagement. I seek partnerships with academic institutions, government bodies, and local organizations to facilitate knowledge sharing and collaborative research, allowing us to co-create solutions that are tailored to the specific challenges faced by different communities. Furthermore, building capacity through training programs and workshops will enhance the skills of stakeholders, enabling them to leverage new technologies effectively. I also recognize the importance of mentoring early-career researchers, as investing in their development will help cultivate a new generation of scientists capable of addressing pressing water-related issues. Furthermore, integrating various data sources and developing robust platforms for data management are crucial to ensure that stakeholders have access to the information needed for informed decision-making.

What is your favorite aggregate state of water?

If I would have to choose one – it is the rain. Rain symbolizes renewal and sustenance, as it plays a critical role in replenishing our ecosystems, supporting agriculture, and maintaining the hydrological cycle. The transformative power of rain not only nourishes the soil but also replenishes rivers, lakes, and groundwater aquifers, serving as a vital resource for both human and environmental needs and emphasizing the need to embrace this precious resource and utilize it wisely.