What are the two core areas of research for the International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED), IISc Bangalore?

Solution

As part of the holistic effort of Government of India to equip national institutions of eminence to develop capability and expertise at par with global institutions and empower 'Make in India' in dam safety, 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. 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.  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.  ICED, IISc Bangalore is the second International Centre in the area of Dam Safety. The first ICED has been institutionalized at IIT Roorkee upon signing of MoA in February 2023.