Government Initiates Establishment of International Centre of Excellence for Dams at IISc Bangalore

Bangalore: In a significant step towards enhancing dam safety and fostering expertise in the field, the Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. The agreement, part of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III, aims to establish the International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED).

The MoA, valid for ten years or the duration of DRIP Phase-II and III, will serve as a collaborative platform for the Ministry and IISc Bangalore to drive advancements in dam safety and contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, highlighted the significance of ICED in building an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and becoming a source of knowledge and expertise in dam safety for both national and international stakeholders.

ICED will function as the technological arm of the Ministry of Jal Shakti, providing specialized technical support, conducting research, and offering technical services for dam owners in India and globally. The centre will focus on areas such as investigations, modelling, research, and innovations, addressing emerging challenges in dam safety through scientific research.

Research at ICED will concentrate on two core areas: Advanced construction and rehabilitation materials & Material testing for dams, and Comprehensive (multi-hazard) risk assessment of dams. The Ministry of Jal Shakti will provide a grant of Rs. 118.05 Crore for the establishment and functioning of ICED, including procurement of goods, machinery, infrastructure development, and research activities.

IISc Bangalore, working with specific objectives, will contribute to dam safety through advanced research, technology development, training programs, and workshops. The collaboration aims to assure the safety of ageing and new dams, equip dam engineers with theoretical and practical knowledge, and provide effective solutions to dam safety challenges.

ICED, IISc Bangalore, is the second International Centre of Excellence for Dams, with the first being established at IIT Roorkee in February 2023. The initiative is part of the Government of India’s broader strategy to empower national institutions to compete globally, foster innovation, and contribute to the nation’s development in critical areas. The establishment of ICED is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing dam safety, conducting groundbreaking research, and creating a skilled workforce to meet the challenges of the future.