The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS) 2026 concluded in Bengaluru, with policymakers and technical experts stating that water infrastructure should be treated as a national security priority. The two-day summit focused on strengthening oversight of India’s dams, nearly 70 per cent of which are more than 25 years old.

India has the world’s third-largest dam portfolio. Officials at the conference said ageing infrastructure, combined with climate variability, has increased the need for risk-based governance rather than routine maintenance practices.

Data presented at the conference showed that about 85 per cent of India’s dams are earthen structures. Experts stated that such dams are more vulnerable to extreme rainfall events and overtopping. These risks have led to a greater focus on predictive monitoring and early warning systems.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti introduced digital platforms, including an AI-enabled system known as DAMCHAT, to support real-time monitoring and safety assessments. Officials said upgraded data management systems would enable authorities to track structural performance, identify stress indicators, and conduct predictive safety audits.

Speakers referred to a shift toward “risk-informed” decision-making, which integrates sensing technologies with governance frameworks. This approach is designed to prioritise dams based on risk exposure and downstream impacts, rather than relying solely on periodic inspections.

Revenue-neutral desilting models were also discussed as a method to extend reservoir life without increasing fiscal pressure. By linking sediment removal to resource recovery, authorities aim to address capacity loss while maintaining financial balance.

The framework operates under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which established a national regulatory structure for dam oversight. Participants highlighted the need for enforceable emergency action plans at the state level to strengthen preparedness.

V. Somanna, Minister of State in the Ministry of Jal Shakti, said dam safety should be integrated into broader development planning.

The conference concluded with calls for coordination between central and state authorities on monitoring systems, data-sharing mechanisms, and emergency preparedness protocols. Officials stated that strengthening dam governance is necessary for public safety and effective management of water infrastructure.