Ministry of Jal Shakti Signs Agreement with IISc Bangalore for establishment of International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED) (GS Paper 2, Governance)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Central Water Commission (CWC), Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore for Establishment of an International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED) under externally supported Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.
- This MoA will remain valid for ten years or till the duration of the DRIP Phase-II and III Scheme, whichever is earlier, from the date of signing this MoA.
Details:
- ICED will act as a technological arm of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) to provide specialized technical support in investigations, modelling, research and innovations, and technical support services for the Indian and overseas dam owners.
- 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.
Research area:
ICED 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.
- In case, CWC, Ministry of Jal Shakti desires to include any new emerging area in dam safety, same shall be added after mutual discussion and agreement.
R&D activities:
- The MoJS will provide grant of Rs. 118.05 Crore for procurement of goods, machinery for establishment of new laboratories as well as strengthening of existing laboratories, initiation of research activities, construction/ modernization of infrastructure for setting up and functioning of ICED, exposure visits to best global institutions and on ground exposure to dam safety concerns to the faculty of IISc.
- IISc Bangalore will work with specific objectives to provide novel solutions for assuring safety of ageing and new dams through advanced research and technology development; train dam engineers with the ‘state of the art’ theoretical and practical knowledge through the M. Tech. course program as well as through workshops and training programs; and enable quick and efficient solutions to various challenges in the dam safety for the agreed core areas.
Centre Development Fund:
- In addition, ICED will have a Centre Development Fund. A part of the consultancy charges, short term training programs and any other revenue earning activity will be contributed to this fund.
