India and World Bank sign $250 mn dams safety project agreement
A $250 million project has been signed between India and the World Bank for a long-term dam safety programme that will improve the safety and performance of existing dams across various states.
A $250 million project for a long-term dam safety programme and improving safety and performance of existing dams across various states was signed on Wednesday by the Indian government, World Bank, and the Central Water Commission representatives from ten participating states.
The signing of the agreement was undertaken by the Additional Secretary, Economic Affairs, on behalf of the Centre, Junaid Ahmad, Country Director, for the World Bank, along with official representatives of 10 state governments. These states were Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
In the Second Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP-2), guides for dam safety will be developed, international experiences will be introduced, and new technologies will be introduced to strengthen dam safety.
Another major innovation anticipated under the project is the implementation of a risk-based asset management approach to dams, which will enable the allocation of financial resources efficiently to prioritize dam safety needs.
Through the CWC at a national level, the project will cover approximately 120 dams in the states like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. The project may be expanded to include additional agencies or states during implementation.
DRIP-2 will also support other important measures, such as flood forecasting systems and integrated reservoir operations. As a result, climate resilience will be built. In addition, by developing and implementing Emergency Action Plans, vulnerable downstream communities will be prepared to face the possible negative effects and risks of climate change. Additionally, floating solar panels will be tested to generate additional revenue.
The World Bank project DRIP-1 has just closed, which helped in strengthening the safety of dams in India involving a total investment of $279 million + $62 million of additional financing. The DRIP-1 has improved the performance of 223 dams in six states and one central agency.
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