Devendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission, has been elected as the President of the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). The announcement was made today, 20th May 2025, during the 93rd Annual General Body Meeting and the 28th Congress of ICOLD held in Chengdu, China.
ICOLD, a global body with 106 member countries including India, is dedicated to the advancement of dam engineering, focusing on the planning, construction, operation, and safety of large dams. India has been a member since 1930, and this marks only the second time in 95 years that an Indian has been elected to lead the organization.
Sharma, who previously served as ICOLD Vice President in 2019 in Ottawa, expressed his commitment to inclusive leadership. In his address to member countries, he emphasized priorities such as dam safety, gender diversity, participation of underrepresented national committees, addressing climate change impacts, promoting hydropower in underutilized regions, and fostering international knowledge exchange.
With over 43 years of experience in the energy and water resources sector, Sharma has held several key positions, including Chairman of Bhakra Beas Management Board and Managing Director of Himachal Power Corporation Ltd. He is also a member of the National Security Advisory Board in India. Originating from a rural background in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Sharma’s leadership symbolizes India’s growing role in global infrastructure governance.
