100 WATER HEROES: SAMIR MEHTA

South Asia Program Director at International Rivers

Based in Mumbai, Samir Mehta is the South Asia Program Director at International Rivers, and works with partners in the region to campaign against the building of harmful dams in the Himalayas. His expertise centre around informing public policy to declare and protect ecologically vulnerable areas in South Asia.

International Rivers works with a network of global water advocates to “stop destructive dams and promote water and energy solutions for a just and sustainable world.” Their work focuses on protecting vital rivers and the people who depend on them. Their work is based largely in Latin America, Asia and Africa, where they combat destructive dam construction and encourage more sustainable solutions.

Prior to his work with International Rivers, Samir attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics and began a career in IT. However, after becoming involved in environmental advocacy in the west, his career focus shifted and he got his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University. Samir then worked with the Bombay Environmental Action Group for 17 years, where he was involved in environmental, town and regional planning and policy-making.

Samir is one of our #100WaterHeroes because of his leadership of the International Rivers’ South Asia Program, and for dedicating his career to environmental sustainability in India.

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/samir-mehta-1100b18