The Karnataka government, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, will host a two-day International Dam Safety Conference in Bengaluru on February 13 and 14. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced this during a press conference at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi. The conference coincides with the state government’s completion of 1,000 days in office.
The conference, scheduled at the J.N. Tata Auditorium of the Indian Institute of Science, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. With 6,628 dams in India, including 231 in Karnataka, discussions on dam safety are gaining national attention. The event will feature the presentation of 46 research papers on dam safety and will see the participation of Union Ministers and State Minister, along with over 400 attendees and 25 international experts from 10 countries.
Emphasizing the vital role of dams in irrigation, power generation, flood control, and more, Shivakumar highlighted the necessity of ensuring their safety. He mentioned that a significant portion of dams in India are over 25 years old, underlining the importance of addressing safety concerns promptly. The Karnataka government has allocated Rs 1,500 crore for the safety of 58 dams, with ongoing safety measures and repair works based on priority assessments.
Responding to queries about the Double Decker project, Shivakumar clarified that the Karnataka government is committed to the initiative, with the Central government’s support. He dismissed concerns about potential impacts on Metro ridership, stating that the project targets a different set of commuters. Shivakumar expressed readiness to address any issues raised and collaborate with the Union Minister as needed.
