Bhatkal: Dr. A.T. Damodara Naik, a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer hailing from Bhatkal, is representing India at the World Hydropower Conference being held in Accra, Africa, from July 14 to July 19.
The Indian delegation participating in the summit is set to present the country’s advancements and success stories in modern hydropower technology, particularly in the development of large dam-based hydropower projects. The team will also visit major hydropower facilities in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, as part of the international exchange.
Dr. Damodara Naik is a permanent member of India’s representation in the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). Though originally from Bhatkal, his parents later settled in Nagolli village in Sagar Taluk, which borders Bhatkal, in search of employment.
Coming from a humble background, Dr. Naik completed his primary and secondary education in Bhatkal, and later pursued college studies in Sagar. He is also the son-in-law of former Bhatkal MLA J.D. Naik. A 2010-batch IFS officer, he is currently serving as the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and CEO under the Government of Arunachal Pradesh.