Latest news with #DevendraKumarSharma
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
National Security Advisory Board's Devendra Sharma Elected Head Of World Body On Large Dams
The International Commission on Large Dams, established in 1928 with its head office in Paris, France, has 107 member countries, including India Devendra Kumar Sharma, a member of the National Security Advisory Board, has been elected president of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) during a secret ballot held in Chengdu, China, at the General Assembly of the 93rd Annual General Body Meeting and 28th Congress of ICOLD. His term will last from June 2025 to 2028. Sharma won the election in a direct contest against a candidate from the United States. The International Commission on Large Dams, established in 1928 with its head office in Paris, France, has 107 member countries, including India. The Indian National Committee on Large Dams became a member in 1930. Each member country has one vote in the annual General Assembly elections, held in different countries every year. ICOLD's members collaborate to exchange knowledge in the planning, design, construction, and safety of dams. Since India became a member in 1930, this is only the second time an Indian has been elected president of ICOLD. Sharma previously served as chairman of the Asia Pacific Group of ICOLD and co-chaired the 'World Declaration on the Role of Dams for Energy Transition and Climate Change Adaptation". ICOLD leads the profession in ensuring that dams are built safely, efficiently, economically, and without environmental harm. It provides a forum for the exchange of knowledge and experience in dam engineering and encourages advances in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of large dams and their associated civil works. ICOLD's 29 technical committees, consisting of over 600 experts worldwide, produce detailed technical publications known as ICOLD Bulletins. In his address to the General Assembly, Sharma noted that his election is a significant milestone for the commission, given his background from a developing country. He brings extensive expertise in dam and hydroelectric project construction and has served in various government departments in India at both the state and central levels. Sharma has outlined an ambitious mandate for the ICOLD community. His election is expected to benefit India by advancing dam safety, sharing Indian experiences globally, and promoting new hydroelectric projects, water storage, and energy transition. Sharma is committed to enhancing gender diversity, inclusivity, and the participation of underrepresented national committees in annual events. He also aims to address climate change challenges related to dams, develop hydropower in underutilised regions, and focus on capacity building and knowledge exchange. Sharma hails from a village in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh.
Indian Express
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Himachal Electricity Regulatory Commission chief Devendra Kumar Sharma elected president of International Commission on Large Dams
Devendra Kumar Sharma, chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, was elected president of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD) during its 93rd annual meeting and 28th Congress held at Chengdu in China on Tuesday. ICOLD, with 106 member countries including India, facilitates global exchange of knowledge on dam planning, design, construction, and safety. Established in 1928, it provides a platform for advancing dam engineering practices, promoting safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in dam construction and operation. India has been a member since 1930, and Sharma is only the second Indian to be elected president in the organisation's history. He served as vice-president of ICOLD in 2019 in Ottawa, Canada. In an address to ICOLD member countries following his election, Sharma said his appointment from a developing country signified a shift in the organisation's outlook. He said he would work on dam safety, gender diversity, participation of under-represented national committees, challenges of climate change for dams, hydropower development in underutilised regions, capacity building, and knowledge exchange. Hailing from Mehrin Kathla (Khasri) village in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district, Sharma has over 43 years of experience in the energy and water resources sectors in India and abroad. He is also a member of the National Security Advisory Board under the National Security Council. Before joining the regulatory commission, he served as chairman of the Bhakra Beas Management Board, managing critical national assets including major dams and powerhouses. From 2012 to 2017, he was managing director of Himachal Power Corporation Ltd, a state public sector undertaking.
