NIH Governing Body Meeting Highlights Research Advancements in Water Management
The 86th Meeting of the Governing Body of the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) took place at its headquarters in Roorkee, showcasing the institute’s progress and future plans. Chaired by Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, the meeting emphasized NIH’s growing role as a leader in addressing crucial water management challenges, particularly in relation to climate change and sustainable resources.
Innovative Research and Projects
In the fiscal year 2024–25, NIH undertook an impressive 111 research and development studies, alongside managing 28 projects funded by national and international entities. As part of its commitment to addressing significant national needs, the Institute has launched extensive evaluations within the Luni River basin and is diligently monitoring glaciers in the Western Himalayas, particularly the Gangotri, Triloki, and Khatling systems. Furthermore, a key initiative backed by the National Mission for Clean Ganga is focused on assessing Environmental Flows for rivers such as Chambal, Sone, Damodar, and Tons.
NIH is also making strides in digital water management through its innovative NIH-WISDOM platform, a web-based tool designed to facilitate groundwater recharge estimation and management. The Institute is dedicated to enhancing capacity and technology transfer and has conducted 76 training workshops, benefiting over 1,845 participants from various sectors. Additionally, NIH successfully hosted the International Ground Water Conference (IGWC-2025) and organized a high-level workshop on the National Adaptation Plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Confronting Regional and Emerging Water Issues
The Governing Body also reviewed specific studies aimed at tackling regional water challenges. Highlights include research on the traditional technology of “Japanese wells” in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the development of effective rainwater harvesting methods for island ecosystems. NIH is also investigating the factors contributing to elevated nitrate levels in groundwater across different regions and assessing the impacts of climate change on crucial wetland areas, including Rewalsar, Badrish, and Wular lakes.
To support its growing research initiatives and enhance laboratory infrastructure, NIH has proposed a budget estimate of ₹6,800 lakh for the 2026–27 fiscal year. The Governing Body reiterated its commitment to transforming NIH into an internationally recognized institution that provides science-based solutions for water management challenges while reinforcing national water security in alignment with the vision of the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
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