Vivekanandan Nellaiappan post graduated in mathematics from Madurai Kamaraj University in 1991. He obtained Master of Engineering in hydrology from the University of Roorkee in 2000. He also obtained Master of Philosophy in mathematics from Bharathiar University in 2006 and MBA (Human Resources) from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in 2013. In addition, he obtained Master’s degree in Public Administration and Sociology. He holds six PG Diploma’s to his credit in various fields viz., Operations research, Computer applications, Software based statistical analysis, Software based statistical methods and applications, Personnel management and industrial relations, financial management.

He has professional experience of 27 years which include 1 year in teaching, 1 year 6 months in the industry and 24 years 6 months in R&D. He associated in conducting R&D studies related to the fields viz., analysis of hydrological and hydrometeorological data using probabilistic methods, flood modelling, hydropower, irrigation planning, low-flow and drought management, rainfall-runoff modelling using soft computing, strategic issues in water-related sectors, water resources planning and management, water quality modelling, etc. He is conversant with more than 50 statistical and hydrological software which include ArcGIS, CROPWAT, EASY-FIT, ERDAS, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HDA, HFA, HYMOS, Hydrognomon, HYFRAN, MATLAB, MIKE FLOOD, MODFLOW, ORIGIN, SPSS, STATISTICA, SMADA, VTFIT, WEAP, etc.

He performed the key role in implementing the World Bank aided hydrology project at CWPRS in two successive terms, viz., Hydrology Project Phase-1 (2000 to 2004) and Hydrology Project-II (2006 to 2014). He also the editorial board and review panel member of more than 15 national and international journals. He published 186 technical papers (viz., 65 in international journals, 55 in national journals, 36 in international conferences, 25 in national conferences and 5 technical documents). He published 30 technical reports based on the R&D includes include water resources assessment, rainfall-runoff modelling, flood modelling, assessment of low-flow and stormwater drainage. He performed the role of Chairperson/ Co-Chairperson for more than 15 technical events viz., national/ international conferences, workshop, seminar, etc.

He received the Ministry of Water Resources Fellowship for his Master’s degree in Hydrology. He received the award (Gold Medal) from Union Ministry of Irrigation and Power Award in 2000 for the paper published in Indian Institute of Engineer’s journal. He also received the best paper award from Ministry of Water Resources (in 2012, 2015 and 2017), and Bal Krishna Institute of Technology, Kota (Rajasthan). He performed the role of resource person for 15 educational institutions and R&D organisations. He delivered more than 30 lectures include invited talk and plenary lectures in various technical events viz., conferences, seminar, workshop, etc.