DAM SAFETY ACT,2021: GOVERNANCE

DAM SAFETY ACT,2021: GOVERNANCE

NEWS: Government yet to wake up from its slumber on Dam Safety Act: Supreme Court

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for delays in fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which addresses dam safety concerns, with particular attention to the Mullaperiyar Dam due to its structural and operational challenges. This issue underscores the need for effective compliance with the Act to ensure the safety of dams across India.

1. Overview of the Dam Safety Act, 2021

  • Purpose:
  • Ensure the safety, operation, and maintenance of specified dams in India.
  • Prevent dam-related disasters and ensure their safe functioning.
  • Coverage:
  • Dams higher than 15 meters.
  • Dams between 10–15 meters if they meet certain structural or hazardous criteria.

Key Provisions:

·         National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS):

§  Formulates dam safety policies, guidelines, and regulations.

§  Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC).

·         National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA):

§  Implements policies from NCDS.

§  Resolves disputes between states or dam-owning agencies.

§  Located in Delhi.

·         State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO):

§  Monitors and ensures the safety of dams in respective states.

·         Responsibilities of Dam Owners:

§  Maintain records, conduct risk assessments, and prepare Emergency Action Plans (EAP).

  • Implementation Delays:
  • Section 5 mandates forming NCDS within 60 days of the Act’s commencement, which has not been fulfilled.
  • Kerala has raised concerns over the lack of action from 2021 to 2025.

2. Mullaperiyar Dam:

  • Location:
  • Situated at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district.
  • Specifications:
  • Height: 53.66 meters.
  • Length: 365.85 meters.
  • Operational Management:
  • Operated by Tamil Nadu under a 999-year lease agreement from British rule.
  • Diverts west-flowing Periyar river waters to Tamil Nadu’s arid regions.
  • Concerns:
  • Safety due to its age and structural integrity.
  • Disputes between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over permissible water levels.

 

3. Periyar River:

  • Geographical Details:
  • Longest river in Kerala, spanning 244 km.
  • Originates from Sivagiri hills in the Western Ghats.
  • Flows through Periyar National Park.
  • Ecological and Economic Importance:
  • Known as the ‘Lifeline of Kerala,’ being a perennial river.
  • Supports drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower needs.
  • Tributaries:
  • Muthirapuzha, Mullayar, Cheruthoni, Perinjankutti.

4. Supreme Court’s Observations

  • Criticism of the Union government for non-implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
  • Highlighted Kerala’s concerns over Mullaperiyar Dam’s safety and the lack of actionable steps to fulfill the Act’s provisions.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/government-yet-to-wake-up-from-its-slumber-on-dam-safety-act-supreme-court/article69076973.ece