The Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) has initiated a significant collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore to establish the International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED).
Purpose:
The establishment of ICED aims to enhance the expertise of national institutions to a global standard, thereby bolstering the ‘Make in India’ initiative, particularly in the realm of dam safety.
Objectives:
- Technical Support Services:
- ICED will serve as a technological arm of the Ministry, offering specialized technical support in investigations, modeling, research, innovations, and technical services for both Indian and overseas dam owners.
- Capacity Building:
- IISc Bangalore will work towards providing novel solutions for ensuring the safety of aging and new dams through advanced research and technology development.
- The institute will conduct training programs, workshops, and offer M. Tech. courses to equip dam engineers with state-of-the-art theoretical and practical knowledge.
- Infrastructure Development:
- The Ministry will provide a grant of 118.05 crore rupees to facilitate the establishment of ICED. This grant will be utilized for procuring goods and machinery, setting up new laboratories, strengthening existing ones, initiating research activities, and modernizing infrastructure.
Significance:
The establishment of ICED is poised to contribute significantly towards:
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Fostering self-reliance by leveraging indigenous expertise in dam safety.
- Global Outreach: Providing a platform for disseminating knowledge and expertise in dam safety to underdeveloped and developing nations.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary objective of the Memorandum of Agreement between MoJS and IISc Bangalore?
- A) To promote global tourism
- B) To establish an International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED)
- C) To facilitate agricultural development
- D) To enhance cybersecurity measures
- How will ICED contribute to capacity building in dam safety?
- A) By organizing cultural events
- B) By offering M. Tech. courses and training programs
- C) By constructing residential buildings
- D) By publishing academic journals
- What is the financial assistance provided by the Ministry for the establishment of ICED?
- A) 100.50 crore rupees
- B) 200 crore rupees
- C) 118.05 crore rupees
- D) 50 lakh rupees