Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore(Bengaluru), Karnataka to establish an International Centre of Excellence for Dams (ICED).
- The ICED will be established under the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III.
Significance:
i.This is in line with the Governemnt’s efforts towards equipping the national institutions with capabilites on par with global institutions and empower Make in India in dam safety.
ii.The MoA will remain valid for 10 years or till the duration of the DRIP Phase-II and III Scheme, whichever is earlier, from the date of signing this MoA.
iii.ICED at IISc Banglore will be the 2nd International centre focused on Dam safety. The 1st ICED was established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, Uttarakhand signing of MoA in February 2023.
About ICED IISc Banglore:
i.ICED will be the technological arm of MoJS and provide support in investigations, modelling, research and innovations. This will also offer technical support to indian and overseas dam owners.
ii.The core Research areas of ICED are,
- Advanced construction and rehabilitation materials & Material testing for dams
- Comprehensive (multi-hazard) risk assessment of dams
iii.MoJS will provide a grant Rs 118.05 Crore to ICED. The fund will be used to procure goods and machinery for establishment of new laboratories and strengthen the existing laboratories; Initiate research activities; and Develop the infrastructure to set up ICED.
iv.ICED will have a Centre Development Fund which will be augmented by a portion of the consultancy charges, short-term training programs, and any other revenue-earning activity.
Functions:
i.Provide solutions to various emerging challenges faced in dam safety through scientific research
ii.Offer academic courses, training programs, and workshops and engage in applied research and technology transfer in dam safety management across various levels.
Points to note:
i.Under this MoA, IISc Bengaluru commits to:
- Develop novel solutions for dam safety of both aging and new dams through advanced research and technology development.
- Train dam engineers through M. Tech. programs, workshops, and training sessions.
- Enable efficient solutions to address the evolving challenges in dam safety
ii.It aims to work towards self-sufficiency within 10 years by generating income through the knowledge and capabilities cultivated in the field of dam engineering.
MoJS & Ministry of Tourism Launched Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Initiative for Sustainable Tourism
The Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS) under MoJS launched the Swachhata Green Leaf Rating (SGLR) program, to transform sanitation standards in India’s tourism sector.
Significance:
i.This is in line with the efforts of the government to provide world-class hygiene & sanitation facilities for tourists and propels India towards cleaner and more sustainable tourism practices.
ii.This is also in line with the Travel for LiFE (TFL) program under Mission LiFE, fostering awareness about sustainable tourism.
About SGLR:
i.The SGLR initiative aims to enhance aesthetic and sanitation levels at tourist destinations, aligning with the national focus on responsible tourism.
- The significance of improving sanitary standards is to increase tourist footfall and enhance brand value within the hospitality sector.
ii.SGLRis not only a recognition but a commitment to shaping the future of the Indian tourism industry towards sustainability.
iii.The SGLR booklet, unveiled in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in January 2024, acts as a guide for establishments committed to promoting sustainable development and ensuring world-class sanitation standards.
Points to note:
i.Bison Resorts, in Madhai, Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh(MP), secures the 1st 5 Swachhata Green Leaf Rating Certificate of Recognition.
ii.The “National Pilot on Swachhata Green Leaf Rating in Hospitality Facilities” was launched at Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Kaziranga National Park, Assam.
Recent related News:
The Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoJS released the ‘National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources Of India, 2023’ whose assessment was carried out jointly by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and States/UTs for taking suitable interventions by various stakeholders.
About Ministry of Jal Shakti:
Union Minister– Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Constituency: Jodhpur, Rajasthan)
Ministers of State– Prahlad Singh Patel (Constituency: Damoh, Madhya Pradesh); Bishweswar Tudu (Constituency: Mayurbhanj, Odisha)
