Why in News

The two-day International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026, beginning 13 February 2026, concluded after extensive discussions among policymakers, engineers, international experts, and institutions. The conference focused on strengthening India’s dam safety governance, climate resilience, and sustainable reservoir management.

Background

• India possesses one of the world’s largest dam infrastructures with over 5,700 large dams and several under construction. Many dams were built in the decades following independence and are now ageing, creating safety concerns related to structural stability, sediment accumulation, and climate-induced hydrological risks.
• Given the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall events, floods, and climate variability, dam safety has become a critical issue linked to water security, disaster management, irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply.

Institutional and Legal Framework

A major focus of ICDS 2026 was the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, India’s first comprehensive national legislation on dam safety.

The Act created a multi-tier institutional system:

• National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) – policy guidance
• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) – regulatory oversight
• State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSO) – implementation and inspection

These institutions ensure uniform safety protocols, regular surveillance, emergency planning, and accountability mechanisms across states.

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)

The conference reviewed progress under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), supported by the World Bank.

DRIP aims to:

• Strengthen structural safety of dams
• Install modern instrumentation and monitoring systems
• Conduct risk assessments
• Improve emergency preparedness
• Build institutional capacity

Hundreds of dams have already been upgraded through modern safety technologies and reporting systems.

Major Technical Issues Discussed

1. Ageing Dams and Rehabilitation

Experts highlighted that many dams are approaching or exceeding their design life. Scientific, risk-based rehabilitation supported by strong governance and quality assurance is necessary to prevent structural failures.

2. Reservoir Sedimentation

Sediment accumulation reduces storage capacity, weakens operational efficiency, and threatens safety. The conference recommended:

• Catchment area treatment
• Remote sensing monitoring
• Preventive sediment management strategies
• Sustainable desilting models

3. Risk-Informed Decision-Making

Technical sessions emphasised the need for:

• Dam-break analysis tools
• Hazard classification systems
• Structured risk screening
• Evidence-based prioritisation of repairs

Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and coordination with disaster management authorities were identified as crucial.

4. Hydrological Safety and Flood Management

Given climate change impacts, the conference stressed:

• Forecast-informed reservoir operations
• Basin-level coordination among reservoirs
• Real-time hydrological data sharing
• Dynamic rule curves for water storage

These measures help manage both floods and droughts effectively.

5. Digital Monitoring and Technology Adoption

Industrial sessions showcased advances such as:

• Real-time structural sensors
• Satellite-based monitoring
• Digital data platforms
• Decision-support systems

Such tools enable predictive maintenance and safer operational decisions.

Key Structural Concern in India

• Experts noted that over 85% of India’s dams are earthen, making them vulnerable to overtopping failures during extreme rainfall. The conference recommended innovative armouring solutions and improved design safeguards.

Government Initiatives Related to Dam Safety

• Dam Safety Act, 2021
• National Dam Safety Authority
• Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)
• National Register of Large Dams
• Flood Forecasting System – Central Water Commission
• Integrated reservoir management initiatives
• Disaster Management Act, 2005 (supports emergency response)

Significance for India

ICDS 2026 highlighted that dam safety today extends beyond engineering to include:

• Climate resilience
• Governance reforms
• Technological innovation
• Risk-based planning
• Community preparedness

Ensuring dam safety is essential because dams support:

• Irrigation for agriculture
• Hydropower generation
• Urban water supply
• Flood control

Failure of a major dam could cause catastrophic human, economic, and environmental losses.

Conclusion

The International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 reinforced India’s commitment to modernising its dam safety ecosystem through legislation, technological adoption, institutional strengthening, and international cooperation. The knowledge exchange and recommendations from the conference are expected to guide future policy decisions aimed at ensuring safer dams and sustainable water infrastructure in the era of climate uncertainty.