Dr. Mustaq Ahmad Jabir Shaikh is a Senior Geologist at the Groundwater Surveys and Development Agency (GSDA), Government of Maharashtra, with over 13 years of experience in hydrogeology, groundwater management, and geospatial applications. He holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Savitribai Phule Pune University (2023), focusing on geomorphological and hydrogeological studies for water conservation structures using Remote Sensing and GIS in the Upper Yerala River Basin, Satara, Maharashtra. His academic credentials include an M.Tech in Geoinformatics from IIT Bombay (2012), an M.Sc. in Geology from Solapur University (2009), a P.G. Diploma in Drilling Technology from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (2007), and a B.Sc. in Geology from Shivaji University (2006). Dr. Shaikh has excelled in competitive exams, securing top ranks such as 1st in CSIR NET (LS) Earth Sciences (Dec 2013), 2nd in CSIR NET (LS) (Jun 2013), and 1st in MPSC for Senior Geologist (2025). His professional journey includes roles as Assistant Geologist (20142024) and Junior Geologist (2012-2014) at GSDA, and as a Mud Logger at Oil Field Instrumentation (2010). He has contributed to key projects like aquifer mapping, groundwater assessment, artificial recharge structures, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission, Water scarcity, Groundwater management, National Hydrology Project. A prolific researcher, Dr. Shaikh has authored over 30 peer-reviewed journal papers on topics including groundwater scarcity, artificial recharge, GIS-based watershed analysis, sustainable water management, and artificial intelligence applications in groundwater management. Notable AI-focused publications include “Artificial Intelligence in Groundwater Management: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Prospects” (2024), “Harmony in Hydroinformatics: Integrating AI and IEC for Sustainable Groundwater Conservation in Solapur” (2024), “Advancing Groundwater Resource Management through Artificial Intelligence: Future Directions for GSDA Solapur” (2025), and “Smart Watersheds, Smarter Governance: A Unified AI-GIS-IoT Framework for Climate-Resilient Maharashtra” (2025). He has presented at numerous international and national conferences, earning best paper awards for GIS-based water conservation studies and flood risk mapping. He serves as a reviewer for journals such as International Journal of Science and Research Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Latest Technology in Engineering, Management & Applied Science etc, and holds life memberships in organizations like the Indian Water Resources Society (IWRS), Roorkee (India), Indian Science Congress Association, Kolkata (India), Indian Association of Hydrogeologist, Roorkee (India), Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Dehradun (India) Dr. Shaikh is actively involved in government committees, including the Maharashtra Groundwater Assessment Committee, Watershed Notification Committee, and as Member Secretary for the Planning Committee under Atal Bhujal Yojana. His expertise extends to software like ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, and Surfer, and he has undergone specialized trainings in managed aquifer recharge, mathematical groundwater modeling, and Maharashtra Groundwater Act implementation. Beyond academics, Dr. Shaikh is a former national-level handball player, representing Maharashtra and Shivaji University, and has won multiple athletic awards. He can be reached at mushtaqshaikh27@gmail.com or +91-9975268550.