Dr. Ritesh Arya - Geologist, Climate Change Advocate, and Pioneer in Groundwater and Geothermal Exploration

 **Ritesh Arya**

**Born**  

20 August 1968 (age 56)  

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India  

**Alma Mater**  

Center of Advanced Study in Geology, Panjab University  

**Known For**  

Hydrogeology, Geothermal Exploration, Climate Change Research  

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### **Scientific Career**

**Fields**  

Geology, Hydrogeology  

**Institutions**  

- International Sustainable Energy Organization (ISEO)  

- Water Management Board, Government of Himachal Pradesh  

- National Institute of Hydrology Roorkee  

- Groundwater Organisation, Irrigation and Public Health (IPH)  

**Thesis**  

*Biostratigraphy, Paleo-Climate, Tectonics, Evolution, and Environment of Kasauli Himalayas* (1997)

**Achievements**  

- Guinness World Record holder for drilling the highest artesian condition borewell in the world.

- Discovered groundwater in high-altitude cold desert regions like Ladakh and Siachen Glacier.

- Pioneered the exploration of geothermal energy in the Himalayas.

- Developed the conceptual hydrostratigraphic model for the Himalayas.

- Advocated for the natural cyclic process of climate change and the benefits of global warming.

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### **Life and Education**

Ritesh Arya was born in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on 20 August 1968. He completed his primary education at St. Edward's School, Shimla, and high school at St. Mary's Convent School, Kasauli. Initially joining pre-medical studies at DAV College, Chandigarh, Arya quickly shifted to geology, finding his passion in the earth sciences. He completed his BSc (Hons) and later a Master's and Ph.D. from the Center of Advanced Study in Geology, Panjab University, Chandigarh. His research focused on fossils, groundwater, tectonics, climate, and geothermal energy, subjects that have shaped his professional career.

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### **Fossil Discoveries**

Arya's interest in fossils began during his graduation days, inspired by Medlicott's fossil discoveries in Kasauli. His extensive fossil collection from the Kasauli and Ladakh Himalayas includes leaves, flowers, stems, roots, vertebrates, mollusks, and insect wings, many of which are first reports from the region. Notably, he discovered the oldest Rhinoceros fossil in the Kasauli Formation and fossil palm trees in Ladakh's high-altitude deserts.

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### **Groundwater Exploration**

Starting in 1993, Arya made groundbreaking contributions to groundwater exploration in the Himalayas, a region previously thought to be devoid of substantial groundwater resources. He introduced the term *hydrostratigraphy* and identified seven hydrostratigraphic zones in the region. His work for the Tibetan Settlement in Choglamsar and Leh during the 1990s brought potable water to nearly 3,800 residents. Arya has since drilled wells for the Indian Army, the Air Force, and civilian populations in Ladakh and Siachen Glacier, ensuring water supply in extreme terrains.

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### **Geothermal Energy**

Arya introduced the concept of *Agneyodgara* (lava energy) and has been a pioneer in exploring geothermal energy solutions for remote Himalayan regions. His work on the INDNOR project (a joint Indo-Norwegian venture) focused on the sustainable use of geothermal resources. Arya's advocacy for using geothermal energy to decrease reliance on fossil fuels, especially for military bases, has gained international recognition. He is member of Task Force created by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Government of India to develop geothermal energy in India.

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### **Climate Change**

Arya is a staunch advocate of the theory that climate change is a natural cyclic process. He challenges the mainstream narrative of human-driven climate change and has presented his evidence that global warming cycles have been occurring long before industrialization. Arya's *C Cycle* theory on climate change is based on geomorphic features in Ladakh, and he delivered a TEDx talk titled "Enjoy Global Warming – It's the Best Part to Be on Earth."

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### **Geoheritage and Geotourism**

A passionate advocate for geoheritage preservation, Arya believes in the educational and economic benefits of promoting geotourism in the Himalayas. He founded the Tethys Fossil Museum in Dangyari, Kasauli Tehsil, which showcases the region's rich fossil history and aims to inspire future generations about Earth's evolutionary past. The museum is key in promoting geoheritage walks and cultural tourism in Ladakh and Kasauli.

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### **Personal Life**

Ritesh Arya was born into a family deeply rooted in education and science. His mother worked as a teacher at Cantonment School in Kasauli, while his father was employed at the Central Research Institute in Kasauli. Arya is married to Ina Arya, a Montessori teacher and educator. The couple is blessed with two daughters and a son, who continue to inspire Arya’s commitment to education and scientific discovery.