(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
Rishikesh: 07.04.2022-India has built 5334 large dams which includes dams like Bhakra, Hirakud, Tehri, and Sardar Sarovar to name a few.Around 411 dams are presently under
construction. India is 3rd in terms of number of large dams in the world after USA and China and ranks 2nd in terms of Irrigation. India’s hydro capacity is 13.10% of its total power generation capacity.It is 7th largest producer of hydroelectric power in the world. The dam industry in India has contributed significantly towards meeting the water and power demand of the country, yet India is facing increasing pressure for additional water storage due to population growth, urbanization, change in use pattern and creeping effect of climate change.Water resources and energy sectors form the two vital sectors of a nation for development. The experience and expertise thus gained throughout the world in these sectors has to be properly pooled and disseminated so that it can be used throughout the country and benefits reaped by one and all.The Committee of the International Commission on Large Dams, India (INCOLD) has been playing pivotal role in discharging this responsibility.India is committed to ensure water, food and energy security, which is possible only by creation of adequate storages. Dams help to create sizeable storages. To counter the impact of climate change associated risks, India has to create adequate storage capacities. The development of water infrastructure and dams has to be high on India’s agenda for sustainability. India is open to adopt new technologies as it progresses in investing in Water Sector and is gaining from the best international practices.India is initiating a massive programme of Interlinking of Rivers which will help long distance water transfer with storage dams and associate structures.To focus on the sustainable development of dams and hydropower for meeting the water and energy security requirements under the changing climate, The INCOLD, CBIP and THDC India Ltd. in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, in the patronage of International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)are organising an ‘International Conference on Hydropower and Dams Development for Water and Energy Security – Under Changing Climate’ as Hybrid event from 7-9th April 2022 at Rishikesh.The above Conference is being organised to provide an excellent opportunity to Indian and international dam and hydropower engineering professionals and agencies to share their experiences, ideas and latest developments in sustainable development of dam and hydropower; dams and hydropower development for water and energy security, extreme events due to climate change, govt. policies, environmental and socio economic aspects, dealing with natural hazards and risks,pumped storage development – current trends & future challenges and dam safety management etc. Besides, it would also provide opportunity to networking with the world renowned dam experts from different countries and global organizations involved in dam construction, management and operation and maintenance, for mutual benefits.

From 15 countries, 70 full text of technical papers have been received from the national and international dam experts out of which 42 will be presented during the plenary session and 6 technical sessions, which would certainly add new dimensions to the body of knowledge on the subject. More than 350 participants from India and overseas countries are participating in deliberations of this event. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister for Jal Shakti inaugurated the conference virtually as the Chief Guest. Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh addressed the august gathering of dam and hydropower professionals during the Opening Ceremony. The conference is scheduled to be held physically on 7th to 8th April, 2022at Rishikesh and dam professionals from 104 ICOLD member countries will join virtually, followed by a field visit to Tehri Dam site.