International Conference on Dam Safety held in Bengaluru under DRIP Phase II & III
Bengaluru: The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) is being held at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science, from February 13 to 14 under DRIP Phase II & III.
The Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Central Water Commission and the Government of Karnataka jointly organised the conference. Additionally, the event is being conducted in collaboration with the World Bank and IISc Bengaluru.
International Conference on Dam Safety focuses on resilience
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the conference. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar presided over the function.
During the inaugural session, Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary attended as Chief Guest. Several national and international experts also participated, including representatives from the World Bank and the International Commission on Large Dams.
In his message, Union Minister C. R. Patil highlighted the importance of dam safety for agriculture, flood control and energy security. He congratulated the organisers for convening a timely global forum.
Moreover, speakers stressed that ageing infrastructure and climate risks demand science-based and collaborative action. They called for reforms, transparent policies and coordinated efforts among governments, regulators and communities.
A major highlight of the session was the launch of DAMCHAT, an AI-powered platform developed by ICED, IIT Roorkee. Authorities also unveiled the Jal Shakti Data Management platform of the National Water Informatics Centre. These initiatives aim to strengthen digital decision-making and improve dam safety management.
The conference is deliberating on key themes such as regulatory frameworks, structural health monitoring, rehabilitation practices, sediment management and flood risk mitigation. Furthermore, experts are discussing coordinated reservoir operations and lessons from dam failure case studies.
More than 750 delegates attended the first day. Representatives from 12 countries, including India, Japan, Australia, France and the United States, participated. An exhibition featuring 25 exhibitors is showcasing advanced monitoring systems and rehabilitation technologies.
Through these discussions, the International Conference on Dam Safety seeks to reinforce implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. It also aims to enhance climate resilience and modernise India’s water infrastructure.
