In a bid to enhance global efforts in water management and ensure the safety of crucial dam structures, the newly formed Dam Safety Society has been launched. The establishment of this institution aims to propagate the importance of dam safety and asset management worldwide.
Dams have increasingly become focal points in water management strategies globally, serving as vital reservoirs for economic stability and community well-being. With reservoir storage becoming increasingly crucial, particularly in the face of climate change, it's imperative that dams retain their operational integrity over multiple generations.
Recognizing the necessity for comprehensive dam safety measures, advanced countries have already implemented legislative and technological interventions. However, many developing nations are yet to establish similar frameworks, highlighting the need for a platform to bridge these knowledge and capability gaps.
The formation of the Dam Safety Society comes at a critical juncture, with governments worldwide imposing regulations and responsibilities on dam owners for the maintenance and management of these vital structures. With numerous large and small dams in operation, the society aims to address issues related to their health and upkeep, ensuring the continued benefits they provide to society.
Dams and their associated structures represent significant investments for countries, making their protection and continued productivity imperative. The discipline of dam safety encompasses various technologies, materials, and management techniques, making the society's role in consolidating and disseminating knowledge invaluable.
The launch of the Dam Safety Society during the ICOLD 2023 event in Gothenburg, Sweden, received widespread acclaim from dam professionals worldwide. Interest from ICOLD dam safety experts and member countries underscores the urgency and importance of collaborative efforts in the field.
The society's mandate includes covering scientific, technological, and managerial aspects of dam safety, providing a platform for professionals to address unique challenges faced by existing dams. Unlike new projects, which benefit from standardized practices, dam safety requires a distinct approach, which the society aims to develop through shared knowledge and experiences.
In addition to fostering collaboration among professionals, the society plans to organize regular meetings focusing on various aspects of dam safety, including operation, maintenance, simulation, emergency responses, rehabilitation, and management. These gatherings will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange and the development of effective solutions to enhance dam safety practices globally.
For more details on the Dam Safety Society, please email: damsafetysociety@gmail.com
The Society is currently organising the International Conference on Dam Safety, to be held 18-19 July 2024, Revadia, Gujarat, India, as well as a workshop on the Instrumentation of Dams including Seismic Instrumentation, from 16-17 July 2024. A call for papers has been published, which is available online at our linkedin page.
