The 86th meeting of the Governing Body of the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) was convened at the institute's Roorkee campus and chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD and GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti. The meeting reviewed institutional progress, strategic priorities and the expanding role of the institute as a premier research organisation addressing climate change impacts and sustainable water resource management. Deliberations emphasised alignment with national priorities and strengthening science based solutions for national water security.

Officials reported that during 2024–25 the institute managed 111 research and development studies and 28 sponsored projects, and initiated basin assessments in the Luni River basin and monitoring of Western Himalayan glaciers. A major project under the National Mission for Clean Ganga is assessing environmental flows for priority rivers. The institute highlighted advancement in digital water management through the development of NIH WISDOM, a web based decision support tool for groundwater recharge estimation and management.

The Governing Body noted that the institute conducted 76 training workshops benefiting over 1,845 personnel from government and academia and hosted the Ground Water Conference and a workshop on the National Adaptation Plan with the ministry. Specialised studies under review included research on historical Japanese wells and rainwater harvesting in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, investigations into higher nitrate concentrations and assessments of climate impacts on wetlands including Rewalsar, Badrish and Wular. These activities were presented as part of efforts to enhance capacity building and technology transfer.

The Governing Body considered a budget estimate of Rs 680 million (Rs 680 mn) for 2026–27 to support expanded research programmes and laboratory infrastructure and reaffirmed plans to evolve the institute into an internationally recognised centre delivering science based solutions for citizens. Members underlined the need to prioritise studies of national importance and to strengthen collaboration with national missions and ministries. The meeting record indicated that performance and deliverables will be monitored to ensure impact on water resource management.