“… silent sentinels that ensure our access to the lifeblood of our planet. Dams are monuments to human ingenuity, perseverance, and the spirit of cooperation.” – Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice-President, India
A landmark event, the International Conference on Dam Safety, held on September 14-15 in Jaipur, deliberated on how to make dam management sustainable and resilient. It provided a platform to experts to come together and debate cutting-edge topics in dam safety and management.
The Conference was themed “Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity”. It was aimed at bringing different countries together to discuss major issues in the field of dam safety. It was organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation at Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur.
On Day 1 of the conference, inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Kamakhya Express and Himsagar Express were flagged-off under the ‘Pani Ki Rail’ initiative of the National Water Mission. They would amplify the message of water conservation, river rejuvenation, and the significance of clean drinking water and sanitation. As these trains traverse across the length and breadth of the nation, they will act as a moving billboard for promoting the vital message of water conservation and management.
Furthermore, a National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) booklet was launched by the Vice President. The booklet is a compilation of the large dams in the country prepared in consultation with the concerned State Government/Authority.
There are over 6,000 dams in India and it is ranked 3rd globally in terms of large dams. Approximately 80% of these dams are over 25 years of age. Dams have been instrumental in India’s water management, electricity generation, and flood control. The enactment of the Dam Safety Act in 2021 also ensures key regulatory institutional framework and set of unified protocols for all dam owners.
The conference was attended by more than 800 delegates from the central and state governments, academicians, officials from the World Bank, representatives from foreign countries, public and private sectors, and other dam proprietors. Approximately 40 international delegates from 15 countries also participated in the event.