Siddaramaiah Declares Dam Safety a National Security Imperative at Bengaluru Conference
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a stark warning about the critical state of India's dam infrastructure, calling for immediate and systematic safety evaluations and modernization efforts nationwide. Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day International Dam and Reservoir Safety Conference 2026 at the Indian Institute of Science on Friday, the Karnataka leader emphasized that ageing structures combined with escalating climate threats have elevated dam safety from a technical concern to a matter of national security.
Climate Risks and Ageing Infrastructure Create Perfect Storm
Siddaramaiah outlined multiple interconnected dangers facing India's dam network, including climate-induced hydrological extremes, seismic vulnerabilities, reservoir sedimentation, and deteriorating infrastructure. "Dam safety is no longer a technical afterthought; it is a national security imperative," he declared, stressing that water governance requires cooperative federalism since "water does not recognise political boundaries, nor should safety standards."
The Chief Minister highlighted how dams serve dual crucial purposes: empowering agricultural communities through irrigation and providing clean energy for national development. "Civilisational growth is directly linked to water resources," he noted, adding that most Indian dams are now 60-70 years old and require comprehensive maintenance.
Data Integration and Modern Monitoring Systems Essential
Siddaramaiah advocated for advanced technological solutions, insisting that data from instrumentation, remote sensing platforms, and structural health monitoring systems must be consolidated into real-time operational dashboards. This integrated approach would enable proactive maintenance and rapid response to potential threats.
He credited India's extensive dam infrastructure to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's foresight, noting the country now boasts over 6,600 dams—making it the world's third-largest dam-owning nation. Karnataka alone contains more than 230 dams, with the state government currently allocating Rs 1,500 crore specifically for repairs and maintenance of 58 dams within its jurisdiction.
Deputy CM Highlights Center-State Collaboration on Dam Rehabilitation
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar echoed the urgency, describing dam safety as a national priority that demands robust Center-state partnership. He detailed Karnataka's implementation of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP) Phase II and Phase III, which covers 58 dams with an approved outlay matching the Rs 1,500 crore mentioned by Siddaramaiah.
"The program focuses on structural strengthening, enhanced surveillance mechanisms, and long-term resilience building," Shivakumar explained. He also addressed future water projects, stating "We will execute Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects if the Centre gives approval. We are confident the Centre will give the necessary approvals."
Bengaluru's Growing Water Demands Add Pressure
Shivakumar connected dam safety directly to urban development challenges, particularly Bengaluru's explosive population growth. "The population of Bengaluru has already reached 1.5 crore and many more will move to Bengaluru. We have the responsibility of providing water to the growing population of the city," he stated, underscoring how reliable dam infrastructure is essential for meeting metropolitan water requirements.
The conference attracted significant dignitaries including Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary and World Bank South Asia Vice-President Johannes Zutt, indicating the international importance of India's dam safety initiatives.
