Bengaluru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah called for urgent and systematic safety checks and modernisation of dams across the country, warning that ageing infrastructure and climate risks have turned dam safety into a national security issue. Speaking after inaugurating the two-day International Dam and Reservoir Safety Conference 2026 at the Indian Institute of Science Friday, Siddaramaiah insisted on the need for cooperative federalism in water governance, saying: “Water does not recognise political boundaries, nor should safety standards.” Citing climate-driven hydrological extremes, seismic vulnerabilities, reservoir sedimentation and ageing infrastructure as interlinked risks, he said: “Dam safety is no longer a technical afterthought; it is a national security imperative.” He said data from instrumentation, remote sensing and structural health monitoring systems must be integrated into real-time dashboards. “Dams empower farmers and provide us clean energy. Civilisational growth is directly linked to water resources. Most of our dams are 60-70-years-old and they need proper maintenance,” he said. He said, thanks to Nehru’s far sight and vision, India has more than 6,600 dams, making it the third-largest dam-owning nation, while Karnataka has over 230 dams. “Our govt alone is spending Rs 1,500 crore on repairs and maintenance of 58 dams in the state,” he said. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said dam safety is a national priority and highlighted the Centre–state partnership under Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Programme (DRIP). “Karnataka is implementing DRIP Phase II and Phase III, covering 58 dams with an approved outlay of Rs 1,500 crore, focusing on structural strengthening, surveillance and long-term resilience,” he said. On major projects, Shivakumar said, “We will execute Mekedatu and Upper Krishna projects if the Centre gives approval. We are confident the Centre will give the necessary approvals.” He went on to say, “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.” Union minister of state for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary and World Bank South Asia vice-president Johannes Zutt were among the dignitaries present.
