ICOLD: A Key Platform for Knowledge Sharing in Dam Engineering & Water Management
The 92nd Annual Meeting, Technical Exhibition, and International Symposium of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from September 29 to October 3, 2024. This global event has brought together leading professionals, including engineers, policymakers, and experts from 106 ICOLD member countries, to engage in discussions under the theme "Dams for People, Water, Environment, Development."
The five-day event features workshops, short courses, and panel discussions, with tailored sessions addressing critical issues related to dam engineering, water management, and sustainable development. ICOLD serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, facilitating dialogue on global challenges and opportunities in dam engineering and water resources management.
Alongside the technical program, attendees are provided with ample opportunities for networking and socializing, including cultural events, technical tours, and social activities. It is worth noting that India holds a prominent position as a strong and longstanding member of ICOLD, boasting an impressive track record of over 5,264 dams, with approximately 437 dams currently under construction.
While addressing the inaugural conference, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti, stated, “We are conducting risk-based asset safety assessments of our entire dam portfolio to ensure that limited resources are allocated equitably and efficiently. This risk-based assessment is being implemented for the first time, and we hope it will serve as a model that we can offer to other countries. However, given the current landscape, we recognize that nothing we do is enough.”
“New challenges continue to emerge in the area of storage. It is estimated that we will lose 50 billion cubic meters of storage by 2050—precious storage that we cannot afford to lose. This poses a significant challenge for us. We are working on sediment management, and there are guidelines available for it. We aim to increase capacities, but we need more technical solutions. These solutions must be developed by the community of experts gathered here,” she added.
R.K. Chaudhary, CMD of NHPC, highlighted the critical importance of dams in India's water management and energy generation during his inaugural speech. He also chaired a panel discussion on the theme "Dams and People," where representatives from Romania, the USA, Slovenia, Japan, and India presented case studies on the topic. Shri Chaudhary also visited the NHPC pavilion, which showcased the company's expertise in dam construction. He was accompanied by senior NHPC officials, including Executive Directors Shri U.S. Sahi, Shri V.K. Saini, Shri Suprakash Adhikari, Shri Rajneesh Agarwal, and Shri Vivek Dwivedi.
“Water storage in dams is the backbone of energy transition and adaptation to climate change. It’s important to store water in our dams to combat climate change, achieve our targets of net-zero emissions, and ensure water and food security,” said Devendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, Hon. Vice President of ICOLD, and Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region of ICOLD.
During the press conference, Professor Arun Kumar from IIT Roorkee highlighted the challenges in dam safety, using the Sardar Sarovar Dam as an example of effective management and planning. He emphasized that while perceptions of dams vary, their importance in benefiting people, the environment, and ensuring water and energy security is noteworthy, especially in the context of climate change and extreme weather events. Dams play a vital role in providing essential resources like water and power while also helping to mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts.
Professor Kumar noted that while some isolated issues have arisen in the past, the introduction of the Dam Safety Act will ensure that dams are carefully monitored, reviewed, and continuously improved, making them stronger and more resilient in the future. In terms of energy security, dams will continue to play a crucial role as the world transitions to renewable energy sources. The need for storage—whether on the surface or underground—remains essential to meet the growing demand for water, especially for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Michel Lino, President of ICOLD, France, highlighted that dam construction is evolving, with a shift away from large-scale reservoirs toward smaller, more efficient storage systems. These closed-loop systems offer significant potential for energy transition, reducing environmental impact by minimizing water extraction from rivers and using fewer resources.
The event also witnessed the release of two books: Dam Development in India: From Ancient to Modern Times and A Pictorial Display of Dams in India, which showcase India's rich heritage and achievements in dam construction. The activities during different periods—ancient, medieval, colonial, post-independence, and modern—are elaborated upon, highlighting India’s status as a leading nation in dam construction.
