The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department is as old as the British rule in India. It was in the year 1858 that India came directly under the British crown after the First War of Independence in 1857. The Public Works Department was formed in the same year based on the recommendations of a Public Works Commission. Sir Arthur T. Cotton was the first Chief Engineer of this newly formed Department.
However, the roots of this organization trace back to 1809, when Engineers under the East India Company held various designations. The name Public Works Department was officially adopted in 1858.
All Chief Engineers until the end of the 19th century were military engineers. Sir Arthur Cotton, the first Chief Engineer, envisioned the Ganga Cauvery Link and conducted crucial irrigation surveys. Colonel J. Pennycuick is notable for the Periyar Project (1885-1895), while the Mettur Dam construction (1925-1934) marked a significant milestone.
Under the leadership of Er. U. Annada Rao, the Parambikulam Aliyar Project was executed post-independence, further modernizing the region's infrastructure.
The Association of Engineers was formed in 1936 after the completion of the Mettur Dam. It has since worked tirelessly for the welfare of engineers and the advancement of technical knowledge. Notable past presidents include Dr. K.L. Rao and Er. C.T. Radhakrishnan, who have significantly uplifted the status of engineers.
