Rishikesh: 07.04.2022-India has built 5334 large dams which includes dams like Bhakra, Hirakud, Tehri, and SardarSarovar to name a few. Around 411 dams are presently under construction. India is 3rd in terms of number of large dams in the world after USA and China and ranks 2nd in terms of Irrigation. India’s hydro capacity is 13.10% of its total power generation capacity. It is 7th 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, urbanization, change in use pattern and creeping effect of climate change. Water resources and energy sectors form the two vital sectors of a nation for development. The experience and expertise thus gained throughout the world in these sectors has to be properly pooled and disseminated so that it can be used throughout the country and benefits reaped by one and all. The Committee of the International Commission on Large Dams, India (INCOLD) has been playing pivotal role in discharging this responsibility. 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. India is initiating a massive programme of Interlinking of Rivers which will help long distance water transfer with storage dams and associate structures. 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 Ltd. in collaboration with Central Water Commission (CWC), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, in the patronage of International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) and International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID)are organising an ‘International Conference on Hydropower and Dams Development for Water and Energy Security – Under Changing Climate’as Hybrid event from 7-9th April 2022 at Rishikesh. The above Conference is being organised to provide an excellent 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, govt. policies,environmental and socio economic aspects, dealing with natural hazards and risks, pumped storage development – current trends future challenges and dam safety management etc. Besides,it would also provide opportunity to networking with the world renowned dam experts from different countries and global organizations involved in dam construction, management and operation and maintenance, for mutual benefits. From 15 countries, 70 full text of technical papers have been received from the national and international dam experts out of which 42 will be presented during the plenary session and 6 technical sessions, which would certainly add new dimensions to the body of knowledge on the subject. More than 350 participants from India and overseas countries are participating in deliberations of this event. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti inaugurated the conference virtually as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Minister for Power and New Renewable Energy, Mr R. K. Singhvirtually addressed the august gathering of dam and hydropower professionals during the Opening Ceremony. The conference is scheduled to be held physically on 7th to 8th April, 2022at Rishikesh and dam professionals from 104 ICOLD member countries will join virtually, followed by a field visit to Tehri Dam site. About the Organizers The Committee of International Commission on Large Dams, India (INCOLD) is the National Committee of international Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) since 1930, which provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experiences on various aspects of dam engineering and to disseminate the latest technological developments taking place in the field of dam engineering all over the world, to the Indian professionals associated with dams by organization of Conferences/Seminars/Workshops/Training Programmes and bringing out the publications. The INCOLD objectives are advancement of dams planning, development, management, science technology, research and education at International level; establishment of an National forum for planners, administrators, managers, scientists, engineers, educators others who are associated with dam engineering and encouragement collaboration with and support of International programmes in the fields of dam engineering including cooperation with others organizations, in the activities of common interest. Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), is a premier institution set up by the Government of India in the year 1927, has been rendering dedicated services to the nation related to Water Resources, Power and Renewable Energy Sectors for the last 95 years. CBIP has grown into an eminent organization of international importance while serving the nation equally with great distinction.The main activities of CBIP are Dissemination of technical knowledge through various modes, such as Organizing National and International Conferences, Symposiums, Seminars and Workshops etc.; Publication of technical documents e.g., manuals, technical reports, guidelines and journals etc.; to impart training to the engineers/professionals; to provide research and professional excellence; recognisation of technical excellence through annual awards; to provide information about technological developments and to provide online information to the professionals; to provide linkages to Indian Professionals with their counterparts in other countries and collection, compilation & analysis of technical data at national as well as global level. THDC India Limited is a fast growing Power Sector and Profit-making Public Sector Enterprise which was conferred ‘Mini Ratna’ Category-I Status and up-graded to Schedule ‘A’ PSU by the Govt. of India.THDCIL was initially constituted with the sole objective to develop, operate & maintain the 2400 MW Tehri Hydro Power Complex (Tehri HPP-1000 MW, Tehri PSP-1000 MW and Koteshwar HEP-400 MW), and other Hydro projects. The Corporation has now grown into a Multi-Projects Organization, with Projects spread over various States as well as neighboring countries, Bhutan. It has also forayed into the generation of electricity from renewable energy sources and thermal power plants. Presently, THDCIL has a portfolio of 11 projects (Hydro, Thermal, Wind & Solar), with a total capacity of 4696 MW. This, includes 1587 MW operational Projects (Tehri HPP-1000 MW, Koteshwar HEP-400 MW, Dhukwan SHP-24 MW, Patan Wind Farm-50 MW, DevbhumiDwarka Wind Farm-63 MW and Kasaragod Solar Power Plant -50 MW) and 2764 MW under Construction Projects ( Tehri PSP- 1000 MW, VPHEP 444 MW and Khurja 1320 MW) . The other projects are under various stages of development/implementation. Further, THDCIL is also developing 2000 MW UMREPPs ( 600 MW capacity of Solar Park, each at Jhansi and Lalitpur District and 800 MW at Chittarkoot District of UP) through SPV (a JV of ‘THDCIL’ and ‘UPNEDA’ named ‘TUSCO’) in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
