International Centre of Excellence for Dams

About International Centre of Excellence for Dams

• It will act as a technological arm of the Ministry to provide specialised technical support in investigations, modelling, research and innovations, and technical support services for the Indian and overseas dam owners.
• This MoA will remain valid for ten years or till the duration of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase-II and III Scheme, whichever is earlier, from the date of signing this MoA.
• The Centre will work on dam safety to support the Ministry and provide solutions to various emerging challenges faced in dam safety through scientific research.
• It will also offer area specific academic courses (including training programs and workshops) and carry out applied research and technology transfer in dam safety management at local, regional, national and international levels. 
• Funding: The Ministry of Jal Shakti will provide a grant of 118.05 crore rupees for the procurement of goods, and machinery for the establishment of new laboratories as well as strengthening of existing laboratories, initiation of research activities, and construction and modernisation of infrastructure for setting up and functioning of ICED.
• It will carry out research in two core areas
  • Advanced construction and rehabilitation materials & Material testing for dams and
  • Comprehensive (multi-hazard) risk assessment of dams
• ICED will give the right impetus towards building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and will also provide a window of opportunity for disseminating knowledge and expertise in the dam safety area to many underdeveloped and developing nations in future.
• ICED, IISc Bangalore is the second International Centre in the area of Dam Safety.
• The first ICED has been institutionalized at IIT Roorkee upon signing of MoA in February 2023.

Q1) What is the objective of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)?

The objective of DRIP is to improve the safety and operational performance of selected dams across the whole country, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach.

Source: MoJS Partners with IISc Bangalore to Establish International Centre of Excellence for Dams, Boosting 'Make in India' Initiative in Dam Safety