Friday, 08 April 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
The Union minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat virtually inaugurated the international conference on hydropower and dams development for water and energy security under changing climate at Rishikesh on Thursday. The Union minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, RK Singh also virtually addressed the gathering of dam and hydropower professionals during the opening ceremony.
India has built 5,334 large dams which include dams like Bhakra, Hirakud, Tehri and Sardar Sarovar to name a few. About 411 dams are presently under construction. India is third in terms of number of large dams in the world after USA and China and ranks second in terms of irrigation. India’s hydro capacity is 13.10 per cent of its total power generation capacity. It is seventh 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, urbanisation, change in use pattern and creeping effect of climate change.
Experts stated that 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.
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 Limited in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, under the patronage of International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) have organised this hybrid event in Rishikesh from April 7 to 9. This conference is being organised to provide an 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, government policies, environmental and socio economic aspects, dealing with natural hazards and risks, pumped storage development – current trends and future challenges and dam safety management among other aspects. A total of 70 technical papers from 15 countries have been received from national and international dam experts out of which 42 will be presented during the plenary session and six technical sessions, which would add new dimensions to the body of knowledge on the subject. More than 350 participants from India and abroad are participating in deliberations being held during the event.
