The Central Water and Power
Research Station (CWPRS), Pune has been a cornerstone of hydraulic research and water resources engineering since its inception in 1916. Over the decades, CWPRS has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s water and energy infrastructure, tackling critical challenges in river engineering, dam safety, reservoir management, port and harbor development and hydropower optimization. CWPRS journey has been defined by scientific excellence, innovative problem-solving and an unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable water management for the nation.
At the core of CWPRS’s mission lies a dedication to addressing site-specific challenges with rigor, precision, and innovation. Our enduring partnerships with government agencies, public sector undertakings, private entities, and international organizations stand as a testament to the trust we have earned over decades of exemplary service. Whether it is mitigating flood risks in river systems, ensuring the safety of high-head dams, optimizing port operations, or tackling sedimentation in hydropower reservoirs, CWPRS remains the epicentre of expertise for India’s water sector.
Our success is driven by the synergy between seven specialized engineering groups and an ecosystem of cutting-edge research and infrastructure facilities, enabling us to tackle complex hydraulic challenges with precision and ingenuity. These facilities support diverse research areas, including spillway hydrodynamics, wave interactions, coastal and harbor engineering, material testing and soil behaviour under dynamic loads, ensuring the durability and resilience of hydraulic structures.
A significant milestone in our capabilities is the Testing, Calibration, and Certification Facility (TCCF), which enhances high-precision calibration and performance assessment of hydrological, meteorological and water quality sensors, ensuring the reliability of critical data for national projects. Complementing this is the Current Meter Calibration Facility, which ensures accuracy in flow measurements, alongside advanced laboratories dedicated to hydraulic machinery performance, cavitation studies and instrumentation, further cementing CWPRS’s leadership in hydraulic research and water resource management.
Beyond research and development, CWPRS plays a crucial role in national initiatives of strategic importance. Under the National Hydrology Project (NHP), we are enhancing hydrological monitoring and real-time flood forecasting, strengthening disaster preparedness efforts. Our contribution to implementing the Dam Safety Act is vital in dam break analysis, risk assessment and structural stability studies, ensuring the safety of India’s critical water infrastructure. Furthermore, the Coastal Management Information System (CMIS) is an instrumental step toward data-driven decision-making for sustainable coastal zone management.
The unwavering support of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) has been instrumental in empowering CWPRS to push the boundaries of hydraulic research and water resource management. Their trust and encouragement have enabled us to embrace emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and climate impact assessments in alignment with India’s Water Vision 2047, shaping sustainable solutions for the future.
As we continue this legacy, CWPRS is poised to meet evolving national and global challenges with a renewed focus on sustainability, resilience, and technological innovation. I invite you to explore our website, which offers a wealth of information on our pioneering research and groundbreaking contributions.