Vice-President Dhankhar Launches International Dam Safety Conference in Jaipur, Reinforces India's Pledge to Dam Safety"
In a significant event, the Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, inaugurated the International Dam Safety Conference in Jaipur under the theme "Safe & Secure Dams Ensure Nation’s Prosperity." This conference marks a pivotal moment in India's commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of its dams.
Shri Dhankhar also took a momentous step by flagging off the vinyl-wrapped Kamakhya Express from Varanasi station, as part of the 'Pani Ki Rail' initiative under the National Water Mission. These vinyl-wrapped trains, the Himsagar Express & Kamakhya Express, will act as mobile billboards, spreading the vital message of water conservation, river rejuvenation, and clean drinking water across the nation.
During the inaugural session, Vice-President Dhankhar emphasized the critical role dams play as "silent sentinels" in securing access to water resources, highlighting the rich history of water management in India dating back thousands of years. He praised the enactment of the Dam Safety Act-2021 as a forward-thinking approach to safeguarding the nation's dams and the successful completion of Phase I of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP).
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, underscored the diverse benefits of dams in India, from water management to electricity generation and flood control. He also stressed the importance of dam safety and the Dam Safety Act-2021, designed to ensure a unified regulatory framework for dam owners.
Furthermore, Minister Shekhawat highlighted the aging dams in India, with over 80% of them being 25 years old or older, emphasizing the need for continuous safety measures and knowledge sharing. He inaugurated the National Centre for Earthquake Safety of Dams at MNIT Jaipur, a significant step in enhancing the structural and earthquake safety of dams in India.
Shri Pankaj Kumar, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti, detailed the roles and functions of various organizations involved in dam safety, including the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and the Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP). He also mentioned the establishment of Centers of Excellence and M-Tech courses for capacity building in dam safety.
The event featured a traditional 'Jal Kalash' ceremony and a one-minute silence for the tragedy in Libya. An exhibition showcased the latest developments and innovations in dam safety, while notable dignitaries including Chief Ministers, Deputy Chief Ministers, and senior officials graced the occasion.
With over 800 delegates in attendance, including international representatives, the International Dam Safety Conference in Jaipur stands as a testament to India's dedication to safeguarding its vital dams and ensuring a prosperous future for the nation.
