International Conference on Dam Safety 2026:
The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026 concluded successfully in Bengaluru, serving as a pivotal platform for strengthening India’s dam safety ecosystem.
Key Highlights of ICDS 2026:
- Dam Safety Framework: The conference emphasized the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) to ensure the safety and longevity of India’s dams.
- Sediment Management: Reservoir sedimentation was identified as a major threat to water security, highlighting the need for preventive measures such as catchment treatment and remote sensing.
- Experts recommended simplified risk screening and dam-break assessment tools to prioritize safety measures across India’s large dam portfolio.
- Flood Management: The importance of forecast-informed and basin-level coordinated reservoir operations was underscored, utilizing dynamic rule curves and real-time data sharing to manage floods and droughts.
- Emergency Preparedness: The conference called for strengthening Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), floodplain zoning, and early warning systems to enhance community preparedness and institutional response.
