INCOLD Announces International Conference on Climate-Resilient Dams & Hydropower Infrastructure

The devastating impacts of recent climate-induced disasters in India have once again drawn attention to the increasing vulnerability of India’s water and hydropower infrastructure. The 2025 monsoon season, in particular, brought unprecedented and erratic rainfall across several northern and Himalayan states, triggering floods, landslides, and serious disruptions to communities, transportation networks, and hydropower operations. These events not only caused extensive socio-economic losses but also underscored the urgent need to rethink how we plan, design, and manage critical infrastructure in the face of a changing climate.

The challenges we are witnessing today are a stark reminder that traditional engineering approaches alone are no longer sufficient to ensure safety, sustainability, and resilience. The combined pressures of climate extremes, environmental degradation, rapid urbanization, and unplanned development in fragile ecosystems demand a more integrated and adaptive approach to infrastructure management. It is imperative that we incorporate climate-resilient strategies, nature-based solutions, and innovative technologies into our planning and operational frameworks.

“The recent climate-induced disasters have made one thing clear, we must urgently rethink how we plan and manage our dams and hydropower systems. This international conference is a crucial platform to bring experts together and chart a resilient, sustainable path forward for India’s water sector.”
Shri A.K. Dinkar, Secretary, CBIP & Secretary General, INCOLD

In response to these emerging challenges, the Committee for the International Commission on Large Dams, India (INCOLD), in collaboration with the Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP) and with the support of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), is organizing an International Conference on “Climate-Resilient Dams and Hydropower Infrastructure: Integrating Environmental Sustainability in Planning and Development” on January 29–30, 2026, at the SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi.

This conference has been conceived as a global platform to deliberate on sustainable and climate-resilient strategies for the planning, design, operation, and management of dams, water resources, and hydropower infrastructure. The event will bring together leading experts, policymakers, engineers, researchers, and practitioners from India and abroad to exchange knowledge, share innovative practices, and identify actionable pathways to build a safer, more sustainable future for our water sector.

The discussions will cover a wide range of themes including sustainable infrastructure design and operations, climate change and environmental considerations in hydropower projects, climate risk assessment and adaptive planning, and regulatory frameworks and environmental compliance. The conference will also explore nature-based and technological solutions, social impact assessment and community resilience, and the growing role of AI and geospatial technologies in enhancing planning, monitoring, and decision-making. The objective is to promote cross-learning between nations, institutions, and disciplines so that the lessons learned from both successes and failures can inform future policy and practice.

The International Conference on Climate-Resilient Dams and Hydropower Infrastructure seeks to build on these national efforts while linking them with global expertise and experiences. It is envisioned as a forum not only for technical exchange but also for fostering partnerships between governments, research institutions, and industry to collectively advance the resilience agenda. The insights generated through this conference are expected to contribute meaningfully to shaping policies, improving design practices, and enhancing institutional preparedness to tackle climate-related challenges in the water sector.

This conference will serve as a unique opportunity for dam and hydropower professionals from India as well as the international community to gain valuable insights and contribute their expertise toward sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure development. By sharing experiences from diverse geographical and geological contexts, participants will be able to apply global best practices within their own regions, fostering stronger, safer, and more adaptable infrastructure systems worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

Participants will leave the conference with a deeper understanding of cutting-edge strategies for climate-resilient planning, design, and operations. They will gain exposure to innovative technologies, regulatory frameworks, and nature-based solutions that can be applied across varied terrains and development contexts. Above all, the conference will empower stakeholders to translate global lessons into actionable pathways for sustainable water and hydropower infrastructure in their respective geographies.

I take this opportunity to extend a warm invitation to engineers, scientists, policymakers, academicians, consultants, and professionals from the fields of water resources, hydropower, and environmental management to actively participate in this important event. Your contribution whether through presentations, papers, or discussions will be invaluable in advancing our shared goal of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure development.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our media partners and collaborating organizations for their continued support in promoting this initiative and amplifying its message. Their role in spreading awareness and engaging a wider audience of stakeholders is vital for achieving the impact and outreach this subject deserves.

As the Secretary General of INCOLD, I firmly believe that collaboration, innovation, and commitment are the pillars on which resilient infrastructure must be built. Together, we can transform the challenges of climate change into opportunities for progress—creating systems that are not only safe and efficient but also environmentally responsible and socially inclusive.

We look forward to welcoming you to New Delhi in January 2026 and to your active participation in what promises to be a landmark event for the global water and hydropower community. Let us join hands in shaping a future where infrastructure stands strong against the forces of nature while harmonizing with it for generations to come.