Water is an invaluable natural resource and serves as a vital substance for human existence and also plays a very important role in advancement and sustenance of human civilization. However, too much or too little of this very resource can create havoc when flood or drought strikes. Thus, it is essential to have a scientific forum for scientists and engineers to deliberate in this multidisciplinary subject to deal with different aspects of Water related problems. 

The United Nations (UNESCO) organized International Hydrological Decade during 1965-1975 in order to promote and co-ordinate long-term international co-operation of programmes in hydrology and water resources.

Keeping in view the importance of water resources (surface and ground water) in India, the need for creating a meeting ground and platform for scientists, engineers and planners engaged in hydrology was felt and the Indian Association of Hydrologists (IAH) was established in 1976, in the Department of Hydrology, University of Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttar Pradesh. Subsequently this Association was shifted to National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee. The Association is registered with Registrar of Societies, U.P. (Registration No. 1515-77-78)

The West Bengal Regional Centre (WBRC) of the Association started functioning since 2nd July 1988 to provide a forum to Hydrologists, engineers and scientists working in the field of exploitation and management of water resources in West Bengal.

The Centre started with about twenty-five (25) members of West Bengal and at present there are more than (150) members in this Regional Centre.