Message from the President
Friends and Colleagues,
It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to the website of the Indian Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC of IAH).
In today’s interconnected world, a website is much more than an information portal. It is a dynamic platform for communication, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and community building. For a professional organization such as the Indian Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC of IAH), it provides an important link between individuals and institutions at the local, regional, national, and global levels. It enables us to share ideas, experiences, innovations, and opportunities while strengthening our collective efforts to address the growing challenges related to groundwater resources.
Groundwater is fundamental to India’s water, food, ecological, and livelihood security. However, rising demand, a changing climate, pollution, and unsustainable abstraction require a coordinated response grounded in scientific knowledge, technological advancement, and inclusive collaboration. The Indian Chapter of IAH is committed to contributing to this effort by bringing together hydrogeologists, researchers, educators, professionals, policymakers, students, and other stakeholders.
Our young members are at the heart of hydrogeology’s future. They need effective, contemporary ways to connect with one another, access knowledge, find mentors, participate in professional activities, and engage with the broader national and international hydrogeological community. This website is intended to serve as an enhanced bridge for these connections—linking local initiatives with regional networks and opening pathways to global collaboration.
Through this platform, we hope to showcase the activities and achievements of INC of IAH; disseminate information on conferences, seminars, workshops, training programs, and publications; highlight research and professional opportunities; and encourage meaningful interaction among members. We also envision the website as a space where new ideas can emerge, partnerships can grow, and the next generation of hydrogeologists can actively participate in shaping the future of groundwater science and management.
I invite all members, especially our young professionals and students, to make full use of this platform and contribute to its ongoing development. Your participation, suggestions, knowledge, and experiences will help make it a vibrant and inclusive community resource.
Let us use this website to strengthen our connections—from local to global—and work together toward a more informed, collaborative, and sustainable future for groundwater.
I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this website and look forward to your continued support and active participation.
With best wishes,
Prof. Amarendra Kumar Sinha
President
Indian Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC of IAH)
Welcome to the Indian National Chapter -International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC-IAH)
(Registered under Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act 2012, Registration No. HR-019-2016-02281)
HQ. c/c Central Ground Water Board, Bhujal Bhawan, NH-IV, Faridabad – 121001
The Beginings: The International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) was established in 1956 to promote cooperation, advance the science of hydrogeology worldwide, and facilitate the international exchange of information on groundwater. IAH’s membership includes about 4,000 members from 135 countries. IAH has 43 country chapters, including India. Thus, the Indian National Chapter serves as a strong bridge between Indian hydrogeologists and the IAH. In 1982, Dr. S. P. Sinha Ray established the Indian National Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC-IAH) in Kolkata, in consultation with Dr. Romijn, then Secretary General of IAH, and served as its secretary under the leadership of the late Dr. K. K. Prasad. Since then, sincere efforts have been made to expand activities and strengthen IAH membership. It is registered under the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Societies Act, 2012 (Haryana Act No. 1 of 2012), with registration number HR-019-2016-02281, dated August 18th, 2016. Its registered office address is o/o Central Ground Water Board, Bhujal Bhawan, CGO Complex Rd, Faridabad, Haryana 121001. The INC-IAH also provides a valuable forum for scientists and engineers working in hydrogeology and groundwater resource planning, management, and protection who are broadly interested in promoting the hydrogeological sciences. The INC-IAH now organizes its annual convention as a seminar, hosts special lectures by eminent scientists under the National Groundwater Lecture Series, encourages member hydrogeologists through various awards, and has recently launched an online journal, ‘e-Journal of Geohydrology‘.
What We Do
• To further the understanding, wise use, and protection of groundwater resources throughout India.
• It will also serve as a chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), UK, to promote groundwater-related scientific activity in India.
• To act as a leading society for the science and practice of hydrogeology and as a recognized technology information source and facilitator for the transfer of groundwater knowledge.
• To promote activities that spread groundwater science and technology through seminars, conferences, training, and publications.
• To promote groundwater issues in India and provide a link between the national and international groundwater community and hydrogeologists in India.
• To collaborate with other groups in India concerned with international and national water-related activities.
• To represent the members of the society in the activities of the parent body and in other international activities, as appropriate, and to appoint reporters to the Council meeting of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH).
• To raise awareness of groundwater issues and work with agencies to promote the sustainable use of groundwater.
• To promote the protection of aquifers against pollution, the improvement of aquifer storage, and the management of groundwater resources to assure the sustainability of groundwater-dependent ecosystems.
The INC of IAH is also registered with NITI Aayog managed NGO DARPAN and eligible to apply for grants under various schemes of Ministries / Departments / Governments Bodies.
National Seminar on Earth Science Perspective on Groundwater Sustainability – Recent Advances
1-2 March 2025 at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Organizing Committee
Programme Overview (pdf download)
Session wise paper list (pdf download)
Seminar Registration fee Invoice: Hard copy is available at seminar venue. Those who are not able to get or find his/her invoice, may write to ashok.kumar@inciah.org from his/her registered email ID. Please note that WhatsApp will not be considered.
About Seminar
In an era of climate change, rapid urbanisation and ecosystem degradation, groundwater sustainability has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges facing the Earth System. With approximately 2 billion people relying on groundwater resources for their daily needs, understanding its
sustainability is crucial for ecosystems, economies, and communities alike.
Join us for a comprehensive seminar that brings experts in Earth Science, hydrology, and sustainability management to the fore. Delving into the critical issues surrounding groundwater resource management, the Seminar provides an opportunity to learn about the latest scientific research and explore innovative strategies for ensuring the long-term viability of this vital resource.
Major Themes of the Seminar:
- Integrated Hydrogeological Modelling
- Water Quality and Emerging Contaminants
- Coastal, Island and Inland Aquifer System and Aquifer Recharge- Natural & Managed
- Climate Change Impact on Groundwater Resources and Adaptation Strategies
- Innovative techniques, Practices and Policies for Sustainable Groundwater Resource Management
- Rock-Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions
- Geological and Geophysical Methods for Deeper Aquifers
- Land use, Groundwater Depletion and Recovery
- Community Engagement, Stakeholder Involvement and Education
Special Announcement for Young Researchers:
- A Special Session for Young Researchers below 40 Years.
- Assistance to a limited number of young researchers depending upon the availability of funds.
For more information, please contact us
- Prof. A. K. Sinha (President INC-IAH, E: groundwater2008@gmail.com, M. 9829010304)
- Prof. B. S. Chaudhary (Secretary, INC-IAH, E: secretaryinciah@gmail.com, M. 7027666480)
IAH International Conference (20-21 January 2024, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, India)
“Addressing Challenges of Groundwater and Environmental Hazard Management through Socio scientific and Technological Approaches“
Organised by
Center for Climate Change & Water Studies (C3WS) & DCE, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University Mumbai in Association with Indian National Chapter of International Association of Hydrogeologists (INC-IAH)
INC-IAH General Body Meeting held on 18th Dec 2023
Popular Talk#6: Dr. V. B. Khilnani on 26th NOVEMBER 2023 at 3.00 PM
Popular Talk#5: Dr Dan Lapworth on 19th may 2023 at 4.00 PM
World Water Day -2023 Celebration on 23rd March 2023 at 11.00am
Popular Dr Talk # 4: Dr Alan MacDonald on 23rd Feb 2023 at 4.00pm (IST)
Dr Alan MacDonald is Head of Groundwater at the British Geological Survey and Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee will deliver a popular talk on the “The Resilience of Groundwater to Change in the Indo-Gangetic Basin” on February 23rd, 2023 at 4.00pm (IST). More details can be found on the Page Upcoming Events
Click here to view the recording
INC-IAH General Body Meeting (Virtual) on 26th Feb 2023 at 2.30pm
The esteemed members of INC-IAH, It is to bring to your kind notice that in the last EC meeting on 15.1.2023, it was decided to convene a General body(GB) meeting forthwith as one year tenure of the current executive committee is going to be completed soon. It was decided that the GB meeting will commence on 26.2.2023. So I request you all to kindly attend the GB meeting on 26.2.2023 at 2.30 pm. Since it is customary that all the bonafide members will attend the G.B. meeting to express their valuable opinion and views on the activities and its further improvement, I request you all to kindly renew your membership who have not yet done it due to several engagements. (Amlanjyoti Kar, Secretary, INC-IAH)
Popular Talk # 3 by Prof. Antonio Chambel (October 29, 2022 at 3.30 PM)
Prof. Antonio Chambel, Former President of IAH (2016-2020) and Professor of Hydrogeology at the University of Evora, Portugal, delivered a popular talk on the “Groundwater management in the world: problems and possible solutions” on October 29th, 2022, with over 100 participants. A big thank you to members who found time to attend this informative talk. This is a moral booster for the next forthcoming talk.
Popular Talk # 2 by Dr. S. K. Subramanian (SEptember 17, 2022)
Dr. S. K. Subramanian, Scientist-G & Group Director (Retd.) , NRSC / ISRO, Dept. of Space, Hyderabad; Colin Mackenzie Chair Professor, DST(Formerly); Adviser-Technical, River Rejuvenation, Art of Living (Honorary) delivered a popular talk on the Space technology application in water sector, with special reference to groundwater in India on September 17th, 2022, with over 150 participants. A big thank you to members who found time to attend this informative talk. This is a moral booster for the next forthcoming talk.
Popular Talk # 1 BY Dr Tapas Biswas (August 8th, 2022)
Revival of Australia’s ancient Murray River
Dr Tapas Biswas, Senior academic (adjunct), Australian National University, Canberra, member Indian Chapter of IAH, delivered a popular talk on the Revival of Australia’s ancient Murray River on August 8th, 2022, with over 100 participants. A big thank you to members who found time to attend this informative talk. This is a moral booster for the next forthcoming talk.