Rajiv Gandhi National Ground Water Training and Research Institute (RGNGWTRI), established in the year 1997, is the premier institute of ground water training and research in India. The first training programme by RGNGWTRI commenced on 12th May 1997. For a brief history of RGNGWTRI please see the volume 8 Bhujal Samvad. Till 2012, RGNGWTRI used to conduct training programmes mostly to meet the capacity building requirements of CGWB personnel. Since the XII plan (2012), RGNGWTRI started implementing a three tier training programme.
- Tier I (National Level): For ground water professionals of CGWB, State ground water departments and other govt agencies. Training durations vary from one week to 16 weeks.
- Tier II (State Level): Trainings are organised for professionals of state ground water departments, NGOs and related professionals.
- Tier III (Block Level): Trainings on local groundwater issues and management are organised for progressive farmers, NGOS, VOs, Social workers and other stakeholders
During 1st April 2012 to 31st March 2023 RGNGWTRI has conducted 1508 trainings in which more than 1 lakh persons have been imparted training.
- 1997-2012: Total Trainings: 220; Total Trainees: 3000
- 2012-2023: Tier I Trainings: 447 (Trainees: 9335); Tier II Trainings: 278 (Trainees: 10080); Tier Trainings III: 563 (Trainees: 78096)
RGNGWTRI is carrying out research using its inhouse resources and also in collaboration with leading academic and research institutes Starting from imparting trainings to direct stakeholders at grassroots level to RGNGWTRI has also extended its scope to impart trainings to foreign Nationals. RGNGWTRI has conducted three trainings for foreign nationals: i) training for professionals from Republic of Yemen on 2006, ii) training on ground water modelling and management for 18 professionals from 8 African
