Bhubaneswar: The three-day Second International Workshop on Dam Safety (IWDS 2025) kicked off at KIIT-DU in Bhubaneswar on Friday, with former Chief Secretary P.K. Jena emphasising the need for utmost preparedness in the face of natural disasters, especially in a state like Odisha.
Recalling his administrative experience, Jena noted how discussions with engineers often revolved around hypothetical scenarios, such as seismic activity, to assess the resilience of dams. Given Odisha’s vulnerability to heavy monsoon inflows from upper catchment areas, he stressed that dam safety remains a top priority for the state.
Reiterating the national significance of the issue, Bhopal Singh, Member (D&R) & Ex-Officio Additional Secretary to the Government of India, pointed out that India ranks third globally with 6,615 large dams, underscoring the need for advanced safety measures.
KIIT Vice Chancellor Saranjit Singh, KIIT Vice President Ajay Pradhan, Subashisa Dutta of IIT Guwahati spoke at the inaugural function, while the co-convenor of IWDS B G Mohapatra proposed the vote of thanks.
The second edition of the workshop builds on the success of its previous edition and aims to address key challenges in dam safety and resilience. The event, organized by the Technology Innovation Hub of IIT Guwahati in partnership with KIIT-DU brings together national and international experts to discuss state-of-the-art technologies, emergency action plans, and innovative solutions for dam safety.
A major focus of the workshop will be the use of advanced geophysical techniques and underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for efficient dam health assessment. Experts will deliberate on sedimentation management, rehabilitation strategies, and risk mitigation methods to enhance overall dam resilience.
An exhibition at the venue will showcase the latest advancements in dam safety, with national and international organizations presenting innovative construction materials, instrumentation, and services. This platform will facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to drive forward best practices in dam management.
The event is graced by key dignitaries, including distinguished experts such as Rajagopal Singh from the World Bank, A B Pandya, Former Chairman of CWC, and other prominent figures in water resource management.
