From Darjeeling to Environmental Science: One Scientist's Message to the Next Generation

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Sukriti Lama of Darjeeling, an alumna of Loreto Convent and Dr. Graham's Homes and currently serving as Scientist and In-Charge of the Siliguri Regional Laboratory under the West Bengal State Pollution Control Board, has been honoured with the "Best Performing Scientist" award for her outstanding contribution to environmental issues by the Department of Environment, Government of West Bengal. She also received a special commendation from the Hon'ble Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ratna De Nag, on the occasion of World Environment Day 2022.

She has been working in the environment regulatory and research field for more than 20 years, trained at premier institutions including the Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC), Lucknow; the National Water Academy (NWA), Pune; the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Chennai); the Centre for Environmental Management and Participatory Development, Kolkata; CSIR-NGRI Hyderabad; and CPCB Delhi.

Why this interview matters to us

For us, as a youth-led independent magazine driven by curiosity and lived realities, this interaction was deeply meaningful. Growing up in the hills, we have witnessed the increasing impact of climate change — from devastating cloudbursts in Teesta to landslides, earthquakes, and other natural calamities. These are not distant events for us; they are experiences that have shaped our understanding of the environment.

What began as an interview became a learning experience. As young people trying to understand the science and responsibility behind environmental protection, we came to know many new things through this conversation. It was not just about her achievements, but about gaining insight into the work, dedication, and urgency required to protect our fragile ecosystem.

On science, curiosity, and building a future from small communities

Young people bring fresh perspectives and energy — when they're involved in the technical facets of environmental issues like sustainability, instrumentation, and technology, the solutions that come out of it are relevant to the generation that will live with them, and who happen to be at the intersection of this crisis.

We have hope if youth are harbingers of change and not passive spectators — but to be one, one needs to be equipped with knowledge and technical expertise, and we need more young people eyeing green careers.

Building a future in science has nothing to do with the size or type of community you come from, and everything to do with how aware and informed you are about the present position of science — what it entails and what it demands.

People think research has to be "useful," but to me it has to be creative and enjoyable. When research is done, no one knows upfront if it's going to be useful, but "creating knowledge" is the main idea — and from there, "sharing this knowledge" is what matters. Anyone with ideas for implementation, application, or innovation can chip into this pool of knowledge and collaborate. There are so many ways your work as a scientist can be used to better the future by people who aren't scientists themselves. When your work is shared, it's viewed from fresh perspectives, which makes your research powerful and actionable.

For example, the research I do and put up on an information system is used by individuals, researchers, organisations, institutions, and city planners to formulate plans, draw inferences, and form environmental management and sustainability practices.

Can an ordinary citizen from Kalimpong or Darjeeling dream of being a scientist?

I truly believe — and have witnessed — that every individual has a unique consciousness and possesses inherent, profound value that makes each of us extraordinary. If you can dream it, you can do it.

Imagine being able to protect your planet, your ecosystem, your environment through research and findings — to be powerful enough to understand, shape, and fundamentally alter the world around you through evidence-based knowledge and innovation. Imagine the happiness of seeing action plans implemented by governments based on your findings. Imagine the ability to break societal perceptions of "truth" with robust evidence and make your point in the real world.

It has become the need of the hour — in fact, imperative — to nurture future generations of scientists. I'll be honest: science does lack the drama of popular shows with artistic expressions that effortlessly touch people's emotions, because the scientific field, being pragmatic and technical, is often devoid of that emotional resonance.

So the challenge lies here: how do we infuse passion into understanding innovation, and create the emotional appeal that makes our youth aggressively pursue careers in hardcore sciences that make a mega impact on our environment?

Understanding how one can become a scientist starts with understanding what scientists actually do. We are professionals who apply our technical capabilities to protect the environment and human health. We identify and monitor hazards, develop restoration plans, and monitor projects related to protecting the environment. We do this through scientific research in specialised laboratories and intensive studies involving both fieldwork and lab work. Our careers involve travel and continuous, intensive training programmes to keep us technically capable.

Where environmental scientists work

Environmental scientists are at the forefront of assessing, managing, and mitigating environmental risks. Some work in government organisations, like I do; others join corporations and industries to plan and implement strategies for managing industrial waste. Scientists also join defense research organisations, renewable energy firms, corporate sustainability (CSR) teams, and research institutions like DRDO, NEERI, NWA, and IITR.

Environmental scientists specialise in diverse areas — toxic waste management, wildlife conservation, air and water quality monitoring, soil and mining reclamation, and more — but all work to protect the environment and minimise anthropogenic effects. The field offers excellent, competitive salaries, and it's a journey of constant learning: you travel a lot for conferences, networking, and training.

The gateways into a scientific career run through internships, research projects, and national-level exams like JEE, IISER, NEET, and CSIR-NET.

How AI and technology are changing environmental law enforcement

AI has huge potential. These digital tools have enhanced how we analyse data, automated our reporting, and aided regulatory compliance through continuous monitoring. As we face increased environmental challenges, we need to understand them better than ever to be able to protect them — AI helps by analysing large volumes of data from sensors, drones, and tools. Remotely controlled air monitoring stations and compact sensor-based air quality analyzers enabling real-time pollution monitoring are systems I personally use. Advanced data analysis, predictive modelling, and automation have revolutionised environmental monitoring like never before.

In 2024, I was at NGRI, CSIR Hyderabad, where software modelling for water pollution detection was used — IoT systems using sensors connected to servers like ThingSpeak for real-time monitoring of rivers and lakes, and GIS software like ArcGIS for mapping pollution hotspots. Simulation and modelling software are used extensively in our work. When anyone starts as a scientist, they're trained intensively and learn as they work — the idea that you need to know everything upfront is a bit incorrect. We're trained continuously to keep up with technological advancements in our field. Machine learning models are increasingly used to provide real-time, actionable insights.

Instruments are our eyes, and we scientists are the hands. We're in a partnership between human intelligence and technological precision, and together we generate truth.

What indigenous practices teach modern environmental science

I toured the amazing village of Khonoma in Nagaland, where indigenous farming methods sustain the soil for generations — eco-tourism and organic farming there are now a model for sustainability. I've also seen traditional mud used as a raw material for building sustainable homes, making them environmentally compatible. The only way forward is by integrating these time-tested practices into our modern ways.

Being a woman scientist in STEM

Difficulties at a cerebral level are almost gender-neutral, but women disproportionately bear the responsibility as primary caregivers in family life, and this work-life balancing act is what affects women — whether scientists or in any other career. As women, we pay a higher price to climb the ladder of success: societal expectations, social stereotypes, systemic barriers, and roadblocks of various kinds will always be there, but there will also be a support system that makes a difference.

A woman's choice to follow her career passion has always been influenced and moulded by societal views, family priorities, and so many unseen elements that simply don't exist in a man's choice — there, the support is by default. My own scientific journey of 20 years has been blessed with support, both professional and family, and I've learned to use that support to the best advantage. But one thing I've learned holds the real power to success: time. As a woman scientist, the high competitiveness of the scientific field makes time a luxury, so time management is an art anyone wanting to be a scientist needs to perfect.

A message to the youth of the hills

Change always comes with challenges, but it's how we receive them that matters. A career in the scientific world calls for grit and determination and is a continuous journey of becoming good enough. My message to my young ladies: each of us has enormous potential, and it will bloom at the right time and right opportunity. Most of the time, we let our motivation be compromised by self-doubt and insecurity, and in doing so, we lose our purpose and passion. If you want to become a scientist — or anything, for that matter — you will.

You'll need to focus on the resources available: trainings, exams, mentorships, grants, conferences, internships, and research opportunities that will eventually shape your career. So be aware, be informed, and don't lose your focus along the way. Ultimately, it's these challenges that will make us work on our own terms — and that, ultimately, defines empowerment.

The future for environmental scientists is exceptionally bright, driven by a global surge in urgent climate challenges, the need for sustainable initiatives, and rigorous compliance requirements. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow at a rate of 8% from 2026 to 2032 — faster than all occupations. This will remain a critical, high-demand field, and one of the top careers of the future.

Experiences will always shape you, but knowledge will always be the weapon to save you.

*Originally published by Astitwa. Interviewed by Riwaj Roka. Republished with permission.*

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