The second session at ICDS 2023 featured a number of national and global speakers who outlines strategies and initiatives they have undertaken on various aspects of dam security. India has a long history of water management with Cholas building Kalani Dam 200 years ago, reminded Sanjay Kr Sibal, Member, Central Water Commission.
While India has 6138 dams today, 143 dams are currently under construction, he informed. “CWC appraises DPRs of water resources and hydro power projects,” he added. Highlighting some of his achievements, he explained how Hirakud Dam, Nathpa Jhakri Hydel project, Tehri Dam and Sardar Sarovar MPP are the major contributions of CWC in water security. CWC has notified IIT Madras for research on dam saftety.
Deepak Kapoor, ACS, Department of Water, Govt of Maharashtra informed, “Every year we have been publishing Annual Health Status Report of Dams even before the Dam Safety Act was enacted in 2021. In Maharashtra, Rs 64.45 crore has been allocated for FY23-24 under DRIP to further strengthen dams. Emergency action plan for comprehensive dam safety evaluation for Maharashtra has to be completed by a deadsline of December 2026, added Kapoor.
On the international front, fron Denmark explained how to best utilize our water resources is the biggest challenge we are facing today. “I do indeed give a damn to this challenge,” he added jocularly.
“I am envious of the national approach on dam safety being taken in India,” embarked Chris Salkovic. His mantra though would be standards should be outcome focused giving dam owners flexibility to explore options.
NSW has been encouraging dam owners to adopt best practices in dam safety since 1978. The Board of Dams Safety NSW is the regulator for dam safety in New South Wales.He emphasized the need to establish an independent regulator.
Added Emily Roper, “We are working with India to develop a next generation of water professionals. ”“Australian private companies are working in India to introduce innovative water technologies,” she added.
Saroj Kr Jha of World Bank presented a more global perspective. “Governments are sitting on very high risk water asset infrastructure as the Darna case in Libya showed,” warned Jha.
More than 19,000 dams in operations for more than 50 years across the world needs major rehabilitation today, was his prognosis. Inclusive value proposition, environment and social standards compliance are World Bank’s value propositions on dam safety, he asserted.
