"Guardians of Water: Ensuring Dam Safety in India"

India, home to 4,407 large dams, has undertaken significant efforts to enhance dam safety, recognizing its pivotal role in averting disasters and ensuring water security. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) recently scrutinized the Medigadda Barrage, a component of the Kaleshwaram irrigation project in Telangana, emphasizing the nation's commitment to robust dam infrastructure. This article delves into the complexities of dam safety in India, examining challenges, recent developments, and the imperative for sustained vigilance.

Dam Landscape in India:

1. Magnitude of Dams:
   • India boasts the third-highest number of large dams globally, following China and the USA.
   • Maharashtra leads with the highest number of large dams, succeeded by Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
2. Historical Dam Failures:
   • Dam failures in India, dating back to 1917, have been attributed to breaching and overtopping.
   • The infamous Machu dam disaster in 1979 highlighted the catastrophic consequences of failure.

Challenges and Concerns:

1. Aging Infrastructure:
   • Approximately 227 large dams in India are over a century old, presenting challenges in maintenance and safety.
2. Structural Deficiencies:
   • Dams exhibit varied structural deficiencies and may not adhere to contemporary design standards.
   • Medigadda Barrage scrutiny reveals planning and design faults, necessitating reconstruction.
3. Institutional and Technical Gaps:
   • Insufficient budgets for maintenance, lack of institutional capacities, and deficiencies in addressing dam safety persist.
   • States grapple with the dual challenge of resource constraints and inadequate technical capabilities.

Dam Safety Measures:

1. Dam Safety Act (DSA) 2021:
   • Empowers a National Committee and the National Dam Safety Authority at the central level.
   • Enforces constitution of State Committees and Dam Safety Organizations at the state level.
   • Requires dedicated Dam Safety Units, Emergency Action Plans, and Comprehensive Safety Evaluations.
2. Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP):
   • Implemented in phases, audited and rehabilitated 223 dams in Phase-I (2012-2021).
   • Phase-II & III target rehabilitation and safety enhancement of 736 dams in 19 states.
   • Co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

Future Imperatives:

1. Risk-Based Classification:
   • Classifying dams based on hazard risk to prioritize safety measures.
2. Adherence to Safety Standards:
   • Emphasizing the design and construction of dams with strict adherence to safety margins.
3. Regular Inspections and Emergency Preparedness:
   • Mandating regular inspections, instituting emergency action plans, and fostering emergency flood warning systems.
4. Periodic Risk Assessment:
   • Undertaking safety reviews and periodic risk assessment studies to ensure ongoing safety.

Conclusion: As India navigates the multifaceted landscape of dam safety, initiatives like the Dam Safety Act and the DRIP scheme underscore a proactive approach. Addressing aging infrastructure, structural deficiencies, and institutional gaps remains pivotal. The guardianship of water resources demands a continuous commitment to vigilance, innovation, and collaborative efforts to mitigate risks and safeguard the nation's water infrastructure.