ICDS 2026 Opens at IISc Bengaluru with AI and Data Platforms for Dam Safety

The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) is being held at the J.N. Tata Auditorium, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru from 13–14 February 2026 under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.

The global conference is being organised by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, and the Water Resources Department, Government of Karnataka, in collaboration with the Central Water Commission (CWC), IISc Bengaluru, and the World Bank.

The event brings together policymakers, regulators, dam owners, engineers, researchers and industry experts from India and abroad to strengthen dam safety governance and build climate-resilient water infrastructure.

High-Level Inauguration by Karnataka Leadership

The conference was inaugurated by Shri Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister of Karnataka, and presided over by Shri D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka.

The inaugural session witnessed the presence of senior national and international dignitaries, including:

• Shri Raj Bhushan Choudary, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti (Chief Guest)

• Shri T.B. Jayachandra, MLA, Karnataka and Special Representative in New Delhi

• Mr. Johannes Zutt, Regional Vice President, South Asia, World Bank

• Shri D.K. Sharma, President, International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD)

• Prof. Toshio Koike, Executive Director, ICHRAM, Japan

• Shri Anupam Prasad, Chairman, Central Water Commission

• Prof. Satyam Suwas, Dean, Mechanical Sciences, IISc Bengaluru

• Shri Subodh Yadav, IAS, Additional Secretary, Department of Water Resources, Ministry of Jal Shakti

Dam Safety a National Security Imperative: CM Siddaramaiah

Highlighting ageing infrastructure, increasing climate risks and sustainability challenges, Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah stressed that dam safety is a national security imperative.

He called for science-based, collaborative action by governments, regulators, academia, financial institutions and communities to ensure safe, resilient and future-ready water infrastructure.

Karnataka's Legacy and Call for Reforms: Dy CM Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar underlined Karnataka's long legacy in hydropower development, engineering excellence and water management innovation.

He emphasised that dam safety must remain a national priority and called for bold reforms, transparent policies and collective action to safeguard water infrastructure as a foundation for farmer welfare, energy security and India's long-term prosperity.

Union Jal Shakti Minister's Video Message

Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil addressed the gathering through a video message, congratulating the Government of Karnataka and organising partners for convening a timely forum.

He highlighted the growing importance of dam safety for agriculture, flood control, disaster management and national energy security.

Rehabilitation and Modernisation of 6,500+ Dams

Union Minister of State Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary stressed the urgent need for rehabilitation and modernisation of India's more than 6,500 specified dams.

He emphasised that timely implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 by States and dam-owning agencies is essential to safeguard lives, livelihoods and public investments.

Major Launches: DAMCHAT and Jal Shakti Data Platform

A key highlight of ICDS 2026 was the launch of next-generation digital tools for dam safety governance, including:

DAMCHATAn AI-powered platform developed by the International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED), IIT Roorkee, designed to enable real-time access to regulatory and technical dam safety knowledge.

Jal Shakti Data Management PlatformDeveloped by the National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC), this platform strengthens data-driven decision-making for water and infrastructure governance.

The inaugural session also saw the release of:

• Publications of the Advanced Centre for Integrated Water Resources Management (ACIWRM), Karnataka

• Guidelines for Design Flood Estimation for Mini and Micro Catchment Areas, published by the Central Water Commission

These initiatives are expected to strengthen digital decision-support systems and enhance technical consistency in dam safety management.

Global Platform for Dam Safety Knowledge and Collaboration

ICDS 2026 provides an international forum for sharing research advancements, case studies and best practices in dam safety governance.

The conference deliberations cover key thematic areas such as:

• International and National Regulatory Frameworks for Dam Safety

• Innovations in Structural Health Assessment and Rehabilitation Materials

• Ageing Dams and State-of-the-Art Rehabilitation Practices

• Sediment Management in Reservoirs

• Risk-Informed Decision-Making for Safe Dams

• Hydrological Safety and Coordinated Reservoir Operations for Flood Management

• Dam Failure Case Studies and Lessons Learnt

• Advances in Dam Safety Monitoring Systems

Strong Participation from India and Abroad

More than 750 delegates participated on the first day, including national and international experts, sponsors and exhibitors.

Representatives from 12 countries are participating, including:

India, Austria, Australia, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Canada, Zambia, Zimbabwe, France, Japan, Philippines and the United States.

An exhibition featuring 25 exhibitors is showcasing advanced technologies, monitoring systems, rehabilitation materials and digital innovations in dam safety and water resources management.

Strengthening Climate Resilience and Modern Water Governance

The International Conference on Dam Safety (ICDS 2026) reaffirms India's commitment to strengthening dam safety governance, enhancing climate resilience and modernising water infrastructure through science, technology and institutional reform.

By fostering dialogue among policymakers, engineers, researchers and international partners, ICDS 2026 is expected to contribute meaningfully to safer dams, resilient communities and sustainable water and energy security.

The outcomes of the conference will support effective implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and reinforce India's leadership in dam safety practices at national and global levels.