Safety Management of Existing Dams

The consequences of dam failure can be catastrophic. Dams are constructed for various purposes such as hydropower generation, irrigation or municipal water supply, recreational use and storage of mining waste etc. In most cases, it is not only the services provided by the dam that are in jeopardy, due to the failure of the dam, but also endangered are lives, property, the community and its economic well-being and the environment. Many catastrophic dam failures have occurred around the world and many countries have taken steps to minimize the risks to the community posed by dams by establishing statutory authorities to regulate the safety of dams. In ensuring the structural safety of a dam; safe operation, proper maintenance, regular surveillance (inspections and monitoring) and the review of safety throughout the life of the dam are as equally important as the assurance of quality in design and construction of the dam. Therefore, it is vital to have in place carefully crafted maintenance, surveillance, safety reviews and operator training programs for existing dams. The use of recognised standards for design and construction, well managed operation and maintenanc