Alumni interview: Santhosh Garakahalli improves water & sanitation around the world
Santhosh Garakahalli, a sanitation expert from India, has been making impactful contributions to global water and sanitation advancements since earning his MSc in Urban Water and Sanitation from IHE Delft in 2017, supported by a Netherlands Fellowship Programme scholarship. Drawing from his academic foundation, Santhosh has driven transformative progress in South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
From 2012 to 2015, I worked as a Junior Project Engineer at the Consortium for DEWATS Dissemination (CDD) Society in Bengaluru, India, focusing on the design and implementation of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS). My experience there laid the groundwork for my career in sustainable sanitation.
IHE Delft’s vibrant alumni network ensures that wherever your career takes you, you are likely to find IHE Delft connections making a difference.
In 2015, I pursued my MSc in Urban Water and Sanitation at IHE Delft with the support of the prestigious Netherlands Fellowship Programme scholarship. Upon graduating in 2017, I was promoted to Project Manager at CDD Society, a role that allowed me to oversee impactful wastewater management projects. In March 2021, I joined BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association) as Design Lead at their South Asia regional office. Today, I work as a Technical Expert on wastewater management, supporting projects in Africa, Latin America and South Asia.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey has been reconnecting with IHE Delft alumni around the world. For example, while traveling to Suriname in 2023 for a BORDA project, I had met Oclaya Verwey, Junior Researcher at Anton de Kom University. IHE Delft’s vibrant alumni network ensures that wherever your career takes you, you are likely to find IHE Delft connections making a difference
Improved water & sanitation in South Asian towns
At BORDA, I mostly focus on supporting small towns in South Asia as they enhance their water and sanitation infrastructure. Currently, I’m involved in an ambitious project across eight small towns—four in India, two in Nepal and two in Bangladesh—where I provide technical guidance on planning, designing and implementing sustainable water and sanitation systems.
One of BORDA’s key clients is Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a global humanitarian organization working refugee camps, disaster zones and other remote and crisis-hit areas. MSF relies on BORDA for technical expertise in managing wastewater from its health facilities.
A particularly memorable experience for me was an implementation project in South Sudan. Working in a remote location without internet access posed significant challenges, but it was deeply fulfilling to contribute to improving sanitation under such demanding circumstances. Projects like these reinforce the importance of sustainable sanitation, even in the most isolated corners of the world.
Better job thanks to IHE Delft
My IHE Delft education transformed my perspective on water and sanitation – it deepened my understanding and enabled me to perform at a much higher level. During my studies, I had the opportunity to design and implement various technologies, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that I still use daily in my work.
The learning didn’t stop there—my time at IHE Delft instilled in me the importance of staying updated with emerging technologies and practices. This continuous learning mindset ensures that I can bring the most effective and innovative solutions to the ground, making a real impact in the communities I serve.
Impact: Improving health
I am proud to contribute to society at large. Working on water and sanitation initiatives allows me to directly improve people’s lives by enhancing their access to clean water and better sanitation facilities, which ultimately leads to improved health and well-being. Seeing the tangible changes—such as healthier communities and a transformed water and sanitation landscape—after our interventions is deeply fulfilling and motivates me to continue driving meaningful change.
Fond IHE Delft memories
My time at IHE Delft was filled with unforgettable experiences that shaped both my professional and personal journey. I had the privilege of participating in the Meet the Dutch programme, where I was paired with a Dutch friend who guided me through the culture and life in the Netherlands—a truly enriching experience.
Every day at IHE Delft was special, from vibrant gatherings with my batchmates to the warm welcome party we organized for junior participants. I was proud to serve as the Student Association Board Vice President as it allowed me to contribute to the dynamic campus life.
My IHE Delft classmates are more than colleagues; they are lifelong friends. We remain connected, exchanging ideas and experiences – it’s inspiring. I’ve even encouraged several co-workers to pursue studies at IHE Delft, confident that this transformative experience will benefit them as much as it did for me.
First alumni coordinator of India
For four years, I served as an alumni coordinator for India alongside two other alumni. Together, we mobilized the group and fostered connections through various activities. With over 1,000 alumni across India—ranging from retirees to mid-career professionals and fresh graduates—it was both rewarding challenge. We organized meetings in Bangalore and Mumbai, creating spaces for engagement and collaboration.
The alumni network is invaluable because it serves as a platform for sharing opportunities, discussing challenges and exchanging insights. It’s a community where professionals can learn from one another, draw inspiration and support each other’s growth. The connections formed through the alumni network strengthen professional ties and foster a sense of belonging - to a global family committed to making a difference in water and sanitation. This network reinforces that collective knowledge and shared experiences can drive positive change.
