In March, Utilities Technical Regulation (UTR) and Icon Water had the honour of hosting an Indian delegation at Cotter Dam, marking an important milestone in international collaboration on dam safety.
The delegation, composed of 15 Dam Safety Officers from India, was part of a specialised Dam Safety and Risk Management Program.
This program is a joint initiative of the Australia India Water Centre at Western Sydney University, the Ministry of Jal Shakti (the Federal Water Ministry, Government of India), and various Dam Safety Regulators and Dam Owners, including ACT UTR and Icon Water.
The purpose of the program is to foster knowledge exchange and share best practices in dam safety, ultimately enhancing the safety and management of critical water infrastructure on a global scale.
As part of this initiative, UTR and Icon Water had the opportunity to provide valuable insights into their regulatory frameworks and contemporary dam safety practices, particularly at Cotter Dam, one of the region’s most vital pieces of infrastructure.
The delegation’s visit was not just about learning from Australia’s experience, but also about creating a space for international collaboration that will support dam safety improvements in India.
The tour was facilitated by UTR and Icon Water, who guided the delegation through the dam's operational and safety features, as well as outlining the regulatory processes that underpin the region’s dam safety standards.
This exchange is a perfect example of how partnerships like these can improve global practices and reinforce the importance of safety and risk management in the water sector.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to build stronger international ties in the field of water security, ensuring that vital infrastructure like dams remains safe, reliable, and resilient into the future.