Rishikesh, 01.10.2024: The prestigious ICOLD 2024 Annual Meeting and International Symposium on Dams for People, Water, Environment, and Development commenced today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event brought together global experts of Hydropower to discuss sustainable Water Management, Hydropower, and the challenges posed by Climate Change.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, delivered the inaugural address as Chief Guest, underscoring the importance of Water Infrastructure development in driving Economic Growth and addressing Climate Challenges
Shri R.K. Vishnoi, President of INCOLD and CMD, THDC India Limited, addressed the gathering of respected Hydropower Experts form all around the globe, highlighted India’s significant progress in expanding its hydropower capacity, positioning the country as a leader in clean energy solutions. He underlined the importance of Hydropower in India’s energy transition, especially as we aim for sustainable growth and the challenges ahead due to climate change, that we innovate and adapt to ensure long-term success.
Other notable speakers included Mr. M. Lino, President of ICOLD, Dr. Marco Arcieri, President ICID, Sh. R. K. Agarwal, CMD, WAPCOS, Sh. R. K. Choudhary, CMD, NHPC, Sh. Majoj Tripathy, Chairman, BBMB, Sh. D. K. Sharma, Vice President, (ASIA), ICOLD and Chairman, HPERC, Sh. V. K. Dewangan, IAS, CMD, RECL, Sh. Abhay Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, IAS, Rajasthan, Sh. Ghanshaym Prasadm Chairperson, CEA nd Ex. Officio, Secretary to GoI who shared insights on the role of international collaborations and deliberations. Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical) was also present during the ceremony.
The opening ceremony concluded with the release of key publications and an invitation to the next ICOLD Congress, which will be held in Chengdu, China, in 2025.