ICDS 2026 and its significance
DRIP Strengthening India Dam Safety Framework: The International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 (ICDS 2026) was organized at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, under the framework of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III. The conference brought together engineers, policymakers, and international experts to discuss modern dam safety practices.
The conference focused on structural safety, risk assessment, emergency planning, and climate resilience of dams. India has more than 5,700 large dams, making dam safety a national priority for water security and disaster prevention.
Static GK fact: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) was established in 1909 and is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka, known as India’s leading research institution.
Objectives of DRIP
The primary objective of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project is to improve the safety and operational performance of selected dams across participating states. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacity and dam safety management systems at national and state levels.
The project focuses on repairing dam structures, modernizing monitoring systems, and enhancing emergency preparedness. This ensures long-term safety and reliability of dams, which are essential for irrigation, electricity generation, and flood control.
Static GK Tip: India ranks third globally in terms of number of large dams, after China and the United States.
Implementation and institutional framework
The project is implemented by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The technical implementation and supervision are handled by the Central Water Commission (CWC).
The Central Water Commission, established in 1945, is India’s apex technical organization responsible for water resource management, flood control, and dam safety. It provides technical support, monitoring, and safety evaluation for dams across India.
Static GK fact: The Ministry of Jal Shakti was formed in 2019 by merging the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Timeline and phases of DRIP
The DRIP Phase I was implemented between 2012 and 2021, focusing on improving dam safety in selected states. It helped introduce modern safety practices, risk assessment tools, and rehabilitation techniques.
Currently, DRIP Phase II and III are being implemented from 2021 to 2031. These phases aim to cover more dams, strengthen dam safety institutions, and integrate advanced technologies such as real-time monitoring systems and early warning systems.
The extended timeline reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring long-term dam safety and sustainable water management.
Funding pattern and financial structure
The project follows a shared funding model between the Central Government, States, and Central Agencies. The funding pattern is designed to ensure cooperative federal participation.
The funding ratios are 80:20 for Special Category States, 70:30 for General Category States, and 50:50 for Central Agencies. This flexible funding mechanism helps ensure wider participation and effective implementation.
This financial structure also promotes shared responsibility between the Centre and States, which is essential because water is a State subject under the Indian Constitution (Entry 17, State List).
Static GK Tip: The Bhakra Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River, is one of India’s highest gravity dams and a symbol of India’s early dam infrastructure development.
Importance of dam safety in India
Dams play a critical role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and drinking water supply. Any failure can result in large-scale loss of life and property.
Projects like DRIP ensure structural integrity, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable water resource management. They also help India adapt to climate change challenges, including extreme rainfall and floods.
Strengthening dam safety infrastructure ensures national water security, agricultural stability, and economic growth, making DRIP a crucial national initiative.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
DRIP Strengthening India Dam Safety Framework:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project Name | Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) |
| Objective | Improve safety and performance of selected dams |
| Implementing Ministry | Department of Water Resources under Ministry of Jal Shakti |
| Technical Agency | Central Water Commission |
| Phase I Timeline | 2012 to 2021 |
| Phase II and III Timeline | 2021 to 2031 |
| Funding Pattern Special Category States | 80:20 |
| Funding Pattern General Category States | 70:30 |
| Funding Pattern Central Agencies | 50:50 |
| Recent Event | International Conference on Dam Safety 2026 at IISc Bengaluru |
