12th Meeting of the
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)
The 12th meeting of the National
Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) was recently held in New Delhi. The meeting
reviewed the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, and deliberated on
measures to further strengthen dam safety administration in the country.
National Committee on Dam
Safety (NCDS)
¨
The
NCDS was constituted under the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
¨
It
advises the Central Government on policies, standards, and guidelines regarding
dam safety in the country.
¨
The
committee facilitates coordination among various states and concerned agencies.
¨
Its
objective is to ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and monitoring of dams.
Key Highlights of the
Meeting
¨
Review
of the effective implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
¨
Evaluation
of the functioning of State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) in the states.
¨
Discussion
on making the role of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) more effective.
¨
Emphasis
on regular dam inspections, risk assessment, and the effective implementation
of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
¨
Consideration
of promoting the use of modern technology and digital monitoring systems.
Dam Safety Act, 2021
¨
Enacted
with the objective of ensuring the safety of all 'Specified Dams' in the
country.
¨
Provides
an institutional framework for the inspection, operation, maintenance, and
safety assessment of dams.
Under the Act
¨
Constitution
of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS).
¨
Establishment
of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
¨
Provision
for a State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) in every state.
¨
Its
primary objective is to minimize human, economic, and environmental damage
caused by dam failures. Importance of Dam Safety in India
¨
India
is one of the countries with the highest number of dams in the world.
¨
Dams
play a crucial role in irrigation, drinking water supply, hydroelectric power
generation, and flood control.
¨
Strengthening
safety standards has become essential due to climate change, extreme rainfall,
and the aging of dams.
¨
Effective
dam safety measures can reduce the risk of disasters.
