Mr Karma is a Specialist with the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology in Bhutan. He is currently heading the Cryosphere Service Division under the Centre. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geology from Jadavpur University, India (1996), and a Master’s degree in Glaciology from Nagoya University, Japan (2001).

With nearly three decades of professional experience since joining the civil service in 1997, Mr Karma has made significant contributions to the study, monitoring and management of Bhutan’s glaciers and glacial lakes. His work focuses particularly on glacier dynamics, GLOF hazard assessment and the mitigation of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) hazards. He has led numerous high-altitude field expeditions to investigate and monitor glaciers and potentially dangerous glacial lakes across the remote mountainous regions of Bhutan.

One of his notable contributions was leading the technical team to lower the water level of Thorthormi Lake in Lunana between 2008 and 2012, a major intervention aimed at reducing the risk of a potentially catastrophic GLOF. He has also contributed to the development and updating of Bhutan’s glacier and glacial lake inventories, supporting national efforts in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

In recognition of his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to the nation, Mr Karma was conferred the National Order of Merit (Gold) by His Majesty the King of Bhutan in 2021. His extensive experience and continued work in glaciology contribute significantly to advancing scientific understanding of the changing cryosphere and strengthening Bhutan’s resilience to climate-related hazards.

He also received the Dr Andreas Schild Memorial Mountain Prize 2025 from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), recognising his pioneering work in introducing and piloting Siphon technology to reduce GLOF hazards on Thorthormi glacial lake in the Bhutan Himalaya.