The Government of Tamil Nadu established the Institute for Water Studies in 1974 to plan, assess, and manage the water resources of Tamil Nadu. In 2018, the Quality Control Divisions were integrated with this institute, and it was renamed the Institute for Water Studies, Hydrology & Quality Control.
The Institute operates a remote sensing center that monitors the terrestrial water resources of the river basins and their associated geographical data through satellite-based maps. It also plans to report these details to the relevant line departments. The Institute is actively engaged in evaluating the water resources of Tamil Nadu’s river basins through scientifically advanced research, planning, and management for future needs.
Currently, research for 2023-2024 is focused on micro-level re-evaluation and the preparation of studies needed for water resources management and planning in the Chennai Basin. Additionally, the Institute runs a technical library that supports technical research and offers appropriate training classes for higher education students.
The Institute also oversees four quality control divisions, with headquarters in Chennai, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, and Coimbatore, responsible for controlling the quality of works executed by the Water Resources Department.
At present, the following web portals are under development:
- Tamil Nadu Water Resources Information and Management System
- Satellite-Based Water Bodies Information, Monitoring, and Protection System
- Development of Decision Support System in Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project Area
These web portals are expected to be completed within the year 2024-25.
