Pune, 14 June 2026:

Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, organised Open House Day 2026 as part of the celebrations marking the 110th Foundation Day of CWPRS.
The programme commenced at 10am with sapling plantation by the Chief Guest, Shri Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation, along with other dignitaries showing the commitment towards environmental sustainability, water conservation and a greener future.
Shri Naval Kishore Ram, inaugurated Open House Day 2026 as a part of 110th Foundation Day of CWPRS by Jal Kalash ceremony along with other dignitaries symbolising CWPRS commitment to water conservation, sustainability and service to the nation.
Shri A. A. Purohit, Director(I/c), CWPRS delivered welcome address with the remark that it is an occasion to celebrate the institution’s long and meaningful contribution to national development through science, engineering and technology. He paid tribute to generations of scientists, engineers, technicians and supporting staff whose dedication and vision have shaped CWPRS into one of India’s foremost centres of excellence in hydraulic sciences and water infrastructure engineering. He said that their work, often carried out away from public attention, has contributed to the safety of dams, efficiency of irrigation systems, resilience of rivers, growth of ports and sustainable management of water resources. He also outlined emerging areas of work, including climate resilience and adaptation, dam safety, flood risk management, glacial lake outburst flood studies, coastal vulnerability, sediment management and advanced data analytics in water resources management. Speaking on the institution’s future vision, Shri Purohit said that CWPRS has articulated an ambitious Vision 2047, aligned with the national aspiration of a developed India. He said the objective of CWPRS is not merely to respond to future challenges, but to anticipate them in advance and provide scientific leadership in addressing them. 
A short video on Glimpses of CWPRS Activities 2025–26 was displayed during the programme. The video highlighted key achievements of the institution, including important visits, meetings, technical programmes, national workshops, collaborations with premier institutions, studies for major infrastructure projects of national importance like mega Greenfield Port at Vadhavan, Navi Mumbai International airport and Atal Setu at Mumbai and advancement of laboratory and research facilities.
Dr. M. SelvaBalan, Additional Director, CWPRS, introduced the Guest of Honour, Smt. Jaya Panvalkar, and recalled her valuable contribution to CWPRS. He stated that her association with the institution holds special significance, as her vision and technical contributions continue to inspire and support CWPRS’s ongoing scientific work.
Smt. Jaya Panvalkar, Chairperson, National Supercomputer Mission and former Joint Director, CWPRS, appreciated the institution’s contribution to the water sector and its long-standing role in strengthening scientific investigations for national development. She reflected on the legacy of CWPRS and the importance of preserving institutional knowledge while embracing modern tools and technologies for Atma Nirbhar Bharat. She also encouraged young scientists, engineers and students to take inspiration from the institution’s legacy and contribute to the future of water security, dam safety and sustainable infrastructure.
The Chief Guest, Shri Naval Kishore Ram, IAS, Commissioner, Pune Municipal Corporation, addressed the gathering and formally inaugurated Open House Day 2026. He appreciated the scientific contribution of CWPRS and highlighted the relevance of research institutions in addressing real-world challenges related to water resources, urban development, infrastructure safety and climate resilience. He said that Open House Day provides an important platform for students, researchers, stakeholders and citizens to understand the scale and significance of scientific work undertaken by CWPRS. Commissioner urged CWPRS to jointly undertake various water security activities along with energy conservation for Pune Municipal Corporation.
Shri Deepak Narayan Modak, Chairman, Comprehensive Dam Safety Review Panel, World Bank, Pune Zone, delivered an invited lecture on Dam Safety. In his lecture, Shri Modak highlighted the importance of systematic dam safety evaluation, regular monitoring, rehabilitation planning and multidisciplinary technical review. He emphasised that dam safety is critical not only for infrastructure protection but also for the safety of people, communities and downstream areas.
As part of the programme, former senior officials of CWPRS were felicitated by the Director in recognition of their contribution to the institution’s growth and service to the nation. Their contributions were acknowledged as an important part of CWPRS’ 110-year journey.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri G. V. Ramana Rao, Scientist ‘E’ and Coordinator, Open House Day 2026. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, invited speaker, dignitaries, former officials, scientists, engineers, staff members, organizing committee members, students, invited guests, media representatives and all participants for their presence and support.
Open house day 2026 witnessed the public participation of about 3500 including students. Running physical models such as Mumbai Port model, Yamuna river model, Magdechu reservoir flushing model, Kalpasar model; National Hydrology laboratories such as Ingress protection lab, hydraulic machinery lab, Current meter rating trolly etc were displayed to public. Various activities such as quiz, skit, speech, water antakshari, Jal Tarang, slogans etc were conducted during the event.

 

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Harshal Akude/Parshuram Kor

 

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