Legal scholar & policy expert (AMU), guides on environmental law & governance. Dr. Md. Zafar Mahfooz Nomani is a highly accomplished professor at the Department of Law at Aligarh Muslim University in India, with over 28 years of experience in teaching and research. He is a leading expert in the fields of environmental law, intellectual property law, and corporate law, having published 12 books and more than 198 research papers on these topics. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious National Award for Research in Environmental Law from the International Association of Educators for World Peace in Geneva and the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment. Dr. Nomani has played a key role in the development of laws in India, and his recommendations on a major research project on the socio-economic impact of special economic zones (SEZs) have been reflected in the Land Acquisition and Compensation Law of 2013-14. He is currently working on a project about the role of international biodiversity law in developing access and benefit sharing regimes in India. In addition, he has been involved in several World Bank projects on environmental management in India and is a lifelong member of the Global Alliance for Justice Education in Tennessee and an associate member of the International Society for Development and Sustainability in Japan. As the chairman of the advisory board for our organization, Dr. Nomani brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and experience to the table. His contributions are invaluable as we work towards our mission of preserving and rehabilitating the natural environment.
Md Aftabuddin is the Founder of Forum For Green Folk, bringing a rare combination of military discipline, corporate experience, and grassroots insight to the organisation’s rural–urban ecosystem initiatives. A graduate of Calcutta University, he served for over 18 years in the Indian Armed Forces, working across India’s diverse terrains. This experience deepened his respect for biodiversity and environmental stewardship. Following his military service, he worked with Tata Teleservices Ltd before dedicating himself fully to community development. At Forum For Green Folk, he leads operations, field mobilisations, and grassroots programmes, ensuring that every initiative is executed with precision, empathy, and measurable impact. His leadership bridges traditional knowledge and modern approaches, empowering communities to protect the environment while building sustainable livelihoods.
Works on circular economy & climate adaptation. Leads research, program design & knowledge partnerships
Mohammad Mostak Al Farhad is a geographer, currently a researcher in Germany who applies a global lens to local ecological challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science & Technology and possesses a diverse professional background spanning ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), marine ecology, environmental impact assessments, and policy development across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and West Bengal. As the Network & Strategy Lead at the Forum for Green Folk, Farhad directs strategic planning and network expansion both within India and internationally. In this role, he drives high-impact collaborations, fosters global partnerships, and shapes sustainable initiatives designed to deliver lasting ecological benefits and community growth.
Purusottam Tripathy is a water and wastewater treatment expert with extensive research experience in advanced remediation technologies. Currently a PhD Fellow in Chemical Engineering (IIT Mandi–SVNIT Surat), he specialises in greywater recycling, phytoremediation, membrane separation, and cost-benefit analysis for sustainable water systems. With over three years at CSIR-NEERI, he led environmental monitoring and treatment projects for industrial effluents and municipal drains. His work spans both lab and field, combining nanomaterials, AOPs, and bioremediation techniques. He has published in high-impact journals like Desalination and Journal of Cleaner Production, and authored eight international book chapters. Tripathy also holds multiple ISO certifications and is proficient in water analytics and GIS tools. His contributions have supported India’s environmental policy discourse through IISF and other national forums.
Dev Patel is a highly accomplished professional with a strong background in environmental science and technology and a wealth of experience in sustainable business practices, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), corporate social responsibility consulting, and environmental marketing. He has worked with leading companies in a range of industries, including Suzlon Energy, Dr Reddy’s, and BHEL-GE Gas Turbine Services Pvt Ltd, and is dedicated to helping businesses adopt sustainable practices in order to create a better future for the next generation. In addition to his expertise in these areas, Patel is also an expert in fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant financial support for causes he is passionate about. We are fortunate to have Dev Patel as a member of our advisory board and are confident that his skills and experience will be invaluable in helping our organisation achieve its goals.
Project Implementation
Field mobilisation, workshop coordination and SHG linkages
Barnali Dalapati supports project implementation, field mobilisation, workshop coordination, and Self-Help Group (SHG) linkages for Forum For Green Folk in South 24 Parganas. A graduate of Sundarban Mahavidyalaya, Kakdwip, and a native of the Sundarbans, she brings valuable local knowledge and a deep understanding of the region’s communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic challenges. Barnali Dalapati supports project implementation, field mobilisation, workshop coordination, and Self-Help Group (SHG) linkages for Forum For Green Folk in South 24 Parganas. A graduate of Sundarban Mahavidyalaya, Kakdwip, and a native of the Sundarbans, she brings valuable local knowledge and a deep understanding of the region’s communities, livelihoods, and socio-economic challenges. A grassroots social worker, Barnali has been involved in social development activities since her student years, working with different non-governmental organisations and engaging with Self-Help Groups. She has experience in building trust with underserved communities, particularly families affected by human–tiger conflict and those dependent on fisheries, agriculture, and other traditional livelihoods. Her community-centred approach helps encourage participation among vulnerable families and strengthen their engagement in development initiatives. Barnali plays an important role at Forum For Green Folk in facilitating community outreach, coordinating field-level activities and workshops, and supporting women’s participation in collective livelihood initiatives. She contributes to connecting women and marginalised households with opportunities for skills development, income generation, entrepreneurship, and improved livelihood security. With her grassroots experience, understanding of local livelihood systems, and commitment to inclusive development, Barnali helps strengthen community participation and advance women-led livelihoods in the Sundarbans.
Field mobilisation, workshop coordination and SHG linkages
Soumita Kayal supports
project implementation, field mobilisation, workshop coordination, and
Self-Help Group (SHG) linkages for Forum For Green Folk in North 24 Parganas. A
graduate of Hingalganj College (2022) and a native of the Sundarbans, she
brings valuable local knowledge and an understanding of community traditions
and rural livelihood challenges to her work in women’s empowerment and
sustainable development.
A creative artisan,
Soumita has skills in traditional handmade jewellery, local-themed artwork,
painting, and fashion product design, including bags and dresses. Drawing
inspiration from the cultural heritage of the Sundarbans, she combines
traditional artistry with contemporary design to explore opportunities for
creative expression, product development, and income generation.
Soumita’s leadership
journey began in college, when she served as president of her
college Self-Help Group. This experience helped her develop skills in
organising women, fostering collective participation, and supporting
income-generating activities.
At Forum For Green
Folk, she contributes to community engagement, field-level coordination, and
women’s participation in livelihood initiatives. She supports efforts to
connect rural women, particularly those from marginalised communities, with
opportunities for skills development, entrepreneurship, collective enterprise,
and market access.
Through her grassroots
engagement, artistic abilities, and commitment to inclusive development,
Soumita contributes to advancing women-led enterprises and creating sustainable
livelihood
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