National dam safety team faults planning, design of Kaleshwaram project’s barrage in Telangana
- An expert team from the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) recently examined the sinking of the Medigadda Barrage in the Kaleshwaram Project.
- The team identified planning, design, quality control and operation and maintenance issues as the causes of the damage.
Dam Safety Act, 2021
- Introduced in response to dam failures caused by deficient surveillance and maintenance.
- Provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all specified dams across the country.
- These are dams with height more than 15 metres, or height between 10 m -15 m with certain design and structural conditions.
- Establishes key responsibilities and requires the formation of national and state-level bodies for its implementation.
Institutional Mechanism
- Two National Level Bodies
- National Committee on Dam Safety: Responsible for overseeing dam safety policies and regulations.
- National Dam Safety Authority: Tasked with implementing and resolving state-level disputes.
- Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC): Heads dam safety protocols at the national level.
- Two State Level Bodies
- The State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) will keep perpetual surveillance, inspect and monitor the dams.
- The State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) supervises state dam rehabilitation programs, reviews the work of the SDSO, and the progress on measures recommended in relation to dam safety, among others.
Obligation of Dam Owners
- Responsible for the safe construction, operation, maintenance and supervision of a dam.
- Must provide a dam safety unit in each dam which will inspect the dams
- before and after monsoon season
- during and after every earthquake, flood, calamity, or any sign of distress.
- Functions of Dam Owners
- preparing an emergency action plan
- carrying out risk assessment studies at specified regular intervals
- preparing a comprehensive dam safety evaluation through a panel of experts.
- 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.
- In case of loss of life, the person may be imprisoned for two years.
Prelims Takeaway
- Dam Safety Act, 2021
- Kaleshwaram Project