Nestled along the Upper Ganga Canal, the Boat Club at IIT Roorkee is a cherished symbol of the institution’s 177-year legacy. This iconic landmark represents more than a recreational facility; it is a testament to the college’s origins, its close connection to the Ganga Canal project, and its ongoing mission to foster leadership and holistic education.
IIT Roorkee’s origins date back to 1847 when it was established as the Thomason College of Civil Engineering under the British East India Company. This college was founded to address the need for a skilled engineering workforce to manage the construction and maintenance of the Upper Ganga Canal, an essential irrigation project aimed at alleviating water scarcity in North India. The canal, regarded as a remarkable engineering feat, greatly boosted agricultural development in the region.
The contribution of influential figures like Sir James Thomson, who was the Lieutenant Governor of the North-Western Provinces, was critical in advocating for the Ganga Canal and the establishment of Roorkee College. Sir Thomson played a pivotal role in securing the acquisition of 365 acres of land by the then British officials, land that spread across what is now Civil Lines and the Malakpur Latif area of Roorkee.
The historical significance of the Upper Ganga Canal and the leadership of figures like Sir James Thomson were central to shaping the institution’s legacy. These leaders envisioned the creation of local technical expertise to support the development of such critical infrastructure.
In 1876, under the direction of the then British principal, faculty, and officers, swimming and boating activities were formally introduced for students. This was the birth of what became known as the ‘Boat Club’ area along the Ganga Canal, a site that has been an integral part of Roorkee College (now IIT Roorkee) since the 19th century. The infrastructure developed around this area for boating has been referred to as the ‘Boat Club’ ever since.
The Boat Club has been a crucial part of IIT Roorkee’s identity since its inception. For decades, IIT Roorkee paid maintenance fees to the irrigation department for the area along the canal.
From the 1960s to the 1970s, the irrigation department issued annual maintenance charges for the canal-side Boat Club area, and IIT Roorkee dutifully paid these charges. Later the annual service charges over to rupees twenty lacs to Nagar Nigam for the total institute area that included the Boat Club. However, no such charges have been issued by the irrigation department since then. Therefore, any pressure exerted by the department for dues is neither correct nor justified.
The Ganga Canal pathway and surrounding areas, including Solani Park, are freely accessible to the public for recreational activities such as morning walks and jogging, providing a vibrant outdoor environment for the local community. More so a triangle area just in front of the Boat Club with seating arrangements, developed some years back is also available to the public.
The Boat Club, initially established to promote leadership, teamwork, and water sports among students, remains a significant part of IIT Roorkee’s campus life. Today, it is a hub for academic and research activities, serving as a key location for the International Centre of Excellence for Dams, where research on dam safety is conducted in collaboration with global experts.
During IIT Roorkee’s 175th anniversary celebrations, historical landmarks like the Boat Club and the Upper Ganga Canal were highlighted for their importance in the institution’s journey. The leadership emphasized preserving these iconic sites for future generations to connect with the rich heritage of IIT Roorkee.
Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee, expressed his views on the Boat Club, stating, “The Boat Club is a historic and academic asset of IIT Roorkee. It embodies the institution’s rich legacy and significantly contributes to research and extracurricular activities. Our commitment to preserving its purpose for academic excellence remains steadfast.”
Registrar Shri Prashant Garg emphasized the importance of maintaining the Boat Club for academic purposes, adding, “The Boat Club is an integral part of the institute since 1876. We are proud to uphold the integrity and rightful ownership of the Boat Club. Its use for academic purposes and live activities of the students’ aligns with IIT Roorkee’s mission, and we are determined to ensure that it continues to serve the interests of our students, faculty, and researchers. Currently, a research laboratory on DAMS Safety funded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India is also operational in the IIT Roorkee Boat Club. At this place, the national and international students do their research and academics at this place. We refute that there was an agreement between the Institute and the Department of Irrigation. In case some have a copy of that agreement/MoU may share the same with the institute.”
In recent years, media reports have inaccurately suggested restrictions at the Boat Club. However, IIT Roorkee stands firm in clarifying that these reports are misleading. Contrary to these claims, there are no restrictions comparable to other IITs in India. The institute highlights that other premier institutes in cities like Mumbai and Delhi have been financially supported by prominent individuals without expectation of returns, with contributions even reaching hundreds of crores.
The Boat Club at IIT Roorkee is more than just a recreational space; it symbolizes the institution’s commitment to holistic education, leadership development, and academic excellence. By preserving this iconic site for academic purposes, IIT Roorkee honors its historical legacy while looking forward to a future of innovation and progress.
