Dam Safety in India: Challenges & Way Forward

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Picture Courtesy:  PIB

Context

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is reviewing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, implementation and has warned several states about non-compliance with safety protocols for large dams.

Dam Safety in India 

India is the third-largest dam-owning country in the world, after China and the USA. 

Dams are critical infrastructure for ensuring water security, providing irrigation for agriculture, and generating hydroelectric power.  

Current Status of Dams in India

Total Large Dams: India has 6,545 completed large dams, with another 83 under construction. (Source: National Register of Large Dams)

Ageing Infrastructure:  

• Over 100 years old: 224 dams are more than a century old. (Source: National Register of Large Dams,).
• 50 to 100 years old: 1,065 dams fall within this age bracket (Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti).
• By 2050, over 4,400 large dams are projected to be more than 50 years old, highlighting an urgent need for rehabilitation (Source: UN Report, "Ageing water infrastructure").
• Geographical Distribution: The states with the highest number of large dams are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

Dam Safety Act, 2021 

Prior to 2021, dam safety was managed by individual states, leading to inconsistent standards and weak enforcement. 

The Act was introduced to establish a uniform, nationwide legal framework for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all specified dams in India. 

It applies to dams over 15 meters in height, or between 10-15 meters with specific design conditions.

Key Institutional Mechanisms

• National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): Develops policies and recommends regulations for dam safety standards.
• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Acts as the primary regulatory body to implement policies, provide technical assistance, and resolve inter-state issues.
• State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS): Reviews the work of the State Dam Safety Organisation and ensures safety standards are followed within the state.
• State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO): Conducts surveillance, inspections, and monitors the operation and maintenance of all specified dams within the state.

Key Mandates for Dam Owners

Under the Act, dam owners (primarily state governments and central agencies) are legally obligated to: 

• Establish a Dam Safety Unit: Dedicated teams for each dam to conduct pre- and post-monsoon inspections.
• Safety Evaluations: Conduct a Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) by an independent panel of experts before December 2026.
• Emergency Preparedness: Prepare and update Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and conduct regular risk assessment studies.
• Documentation: Maintain detailed records, including operation and maintenance manuals and real-time instrumentation data. 

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The Act includes strict penalties for obstructing its implementation or failing to comply with safety directions: 

• Imprisonment: Up to one year for obstruction; up to two years if such failure results in loss of life.
• Fines: Financial penalties can reach up to ₹1 crore. 

Major Challenges in Ensuring Dam Safety

Climate Change Impact: Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), places stress on dams not designed for such conditions.

• Case Study - Chungthang Dam, Sikkim (2023): The dam was washed away by a GLOF-induced flash flood in the Teesta River, causing immense destruction and highlighting the vulnerability of Himalayan dams.

Structural and Operational Issues: Many dams suffer from siltation (reducing storage capacity), structural weaknesses, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of modern instrumentation for real-time monitoring.

Interstate Disputes: Conflicts over water rights and dam maintenance often delay critical safety work.

• Case Study - Mullaperiyar Dam: The long-standing dispute between Kerala (where the dam is located) and Tamil Nadu (which operates it) over the dam's safety, now over 128 years old, is a classic example.   

Lack of Data and Emergency Plans: Many dams lack comprehensive Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inundation maps, which are crucial for mitigating the impact of a potential failure.

Global Best Practices & Lessons for India

India can learn from established international dam safety programs to strengthen its own framework.

Way Forward 

Strict Enforcement of the Act: Ensure all states establish functional SDSOs and comply with the directives of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) without delay.

Modernization and Rehabilitation: The Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is a critical initiative.

• DRIP Phase II and III: This ongoing scheme, supported by the World Bank and AIIB, aims to rehabilitate 736 dams across 19 states with a budget outlay of ₹10,211 crore. This program needs timely and effective implementation. (Source: PIB)

Adopting a Risk-Based Approach: Prioritize funds and attention on dams that pose the greatest risk to downstream populations and infrastructure, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Investing in Technology: Utilize modern tools like remote sensing, AI-based monitoring, and early warning systems to predict and manage potential threats proactively.

Capacity Building: Conduct regular training for dam operators and involve downstream communities in disaster preparedness drills and the formulation of Emergency Action Plans.

Conclusion

The Dam Safety Act, 2021 provides a strong framework for ageing water infrastructure. Its success requires diligent state implementation, sustained central funding, and modern technology integration.

Source: PIB