Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday called for urgent and systematic safety checks and modernisation of dams across the country, stating that ageing infrastructure and climate risks have turned dam safety into a matter of national security.
Speaking after inaugurating the two-day International Dam and Reservoir Safety Conference 2026 at the Indian Institute of Science, he stressed the need for cooperative federalism in water governance.
“Water does not recognise political boundaries, nor should safety standards,” he said, highlighting climate-driven hydrological extremes, seismic vulnerabilities and reservoir sedimentation as growing risks.
6,600 dams, many ageing
The Chief Minister noted that India has more than 6,600 dams, making it the third-largest dam-owning nation, while Karnataka alone has over 230 dams. Many are 60–70 years old and require sustained maintenance.
“Our government is spending ₹1,500 crore on repairs and maintenance of 58 dams in the state,” he said, adding that real-time dashboards integrating instrumentation, remote sensing and structural health monitoring systems are essential.
DRIP phases underway
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar emphasised the Centre–state partnership under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP). Karnataka is implementing DRIP Phases II and III, covering 58 dams with an approved outlay of ₹1,500 crore.
He also reiterated the state’s intent to pursue the Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects, subject to Central approval, citing Bengaluru’s growing population of 1.5 crore and rising water demand.
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary and World Bank South Asia Vice-President Johannes Zutt were among the dignitaries present.
The conference underscored that dam safety is no longer merely an engineering concern, but a strategic priority for sustainable development.