Published on 02 Feb 2025
Dam Safety Act 2021 – It aims to prevent dam failure related disasters and provide institutional mechanisms for surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of the specified dams.
Need for Dam safety
Ageing dams: Of the over 5,200 large dams built so far, about 1,100 large dams have already reached 50 years of age, and some are older than 120 years affecting hydrology and causing huge siltation
Operational problems: The regulation of dams is entirely dependent upon individual dam managers. There is no proper system and understanding in terms of the downstream water requirement.
Structurally Vulnerable Dams: Indian reservoirs are designed with a poor understanding of sedimentation science. This increases the chances of Dam failure in future.
Increasing number of dams: In the Himalayas, 320 large projects are in the planning stages, according to the Central Electricity Authority under the Union Ministry of Power.
Provisions of Dam Safety Act
At the national level: Institutional mechanism (National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS), National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) ) for regulation and solving disputes related to dams
At the state level: State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) and State Committee on Dam Safety for inspect, monitor and review
Dam owners: Dam owners will be responsible for the safe construction, operation, maintenance and supervision of a dam.
Offences and Penalties: Anyone obstructing a person in the discharge of his functions under the Act or refusing to comply with directions may be imprisoned for a year.
Geography
Dam Safety Act 2021
Need for Dam safety
Provisions of Dam Safety Act
General Studies Paper 1
Salient Features of Indian Geography
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