Plenary Session Highlights Global Lessons in Dam Safety and Sustainability

The opening day of the conference placed dam safety and sustainability at the centre of discussions, with experts highlighting India’s growing role in shaping global best practices. Delegates noted that the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), implemented across multiple Indian states, has produced valuable technical and policy insights relevant to the international dam safety community. Participants emphasised that advances in dam rehabilitation techniques, along with regulatory strengthening under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, have significantly improved safety governance. India’s continued engagement with international partners and its focus on institutional capacity-building were recognised as key drivers positioning the country as an emerging leader in dam safety management. Speakers also drew attention to rising climate variability and the increasing frequency of extreme hydrological events, which have amplified the need for robust dam safety frameworks. Coordinated reservoir operations—particularly between upstream and downstream structures—were identified as critical for flood mitigation and risk reduction. Sustainability and long-term maintenance emerged as recurring themes. Experts warned that inadequate operation and maintenance can elevate risks of structural distress and failure, while delayed upkeep increases lifecycle costs. To support financial resilience, discussions explored supplementary revenue opportunities, including floating solar installations, tourism, and fisheries, as mechanisms to fund dam maintenance. The plenary session concluded with a call for greater cross-institutional collaboration to ensure safe and future-ready water infrastructure. The day continued with technical and industrial sessions focusing on regulatory frameworks and innovations in structural health assessment and rehabilitation materials. Proceedings ended with a cultural evening at Vidhan Soudha, Bengaluru, showcasing Karnataka’s artistic heritage and offering delegates an opportunity for informal interaction.