Dam Safety Enhancement Program

Many of the 98’000 dams in China, that contribute to flood control, irrigation, water supply and hydropower production present hazardous conditions. Proactive safety management procedures are lacking. Inadequate surveillance, coupled with increased hazard under changing climate conditions cause high risk of collapse with devastating consequences. According to statistics, 3’462 reservoir dams have breached between 1954 and 2001. Dam safety enhancement is a top priority of China’s authorities.

The ultimate goal of the project is the reduction of human and material losses, through the improved safety management of small and large dams in China. With improved dam safety, the project contributes to improve the water and flood risk management under a changing climate, having a positive impact on securing arable land, habitations and infrastructure.

Resultados de las fases anteriores:  

The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources has reached a thorough understanding of a well-established dam safety regulatory framework. It is about to establish a new Dam Safety Management Plan with clear roles and responsibilities for the small dams, that represent 96% of all dams. Visual inspections of seven dams supported the establishment of Dam Safety Procedures and training of responsible persons at all level in the Sichuan province. The Ministry of Water Resources has expressed the wish to further cooperate with the training for nationwide coverage. On the other hand, the State Electricity Regulatory Commission manifested its interest in the project, with relation to the large dams for hydropower generation.

Fase 1 01.01.2013 - 31.12.2017   (Completed)