As per the National Register of Specified Dams (NRSD), 2025 compiled by the National Dam Safety Authority, there are 1,681 specified dams that are over fifty years old. Comprehensive state-wise details of the specified dams, along with their respective years of commissioning is accessible via the link: https://dharma.cwc.gov.in/#/national-register-of-specified-dams-(nrsd)-2025

Responsibility for safety of dams, including its operation and maintenance rests primarily with dam owners. In accordance with the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, every owner of a specified dam is mandated to conduct every year a pre-monsoon inspection and post-monsoon inspection of each specified dam under their jurisdiction. As per this compliance, dam owning agencies have reported the pre-monsoon & post-monsoon inspections of about 6524 and 6553 dams respectively for the year 2025.

As an outcome of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections, dams are being categorized into three categories on the basis of urgency of repairs/maintenance. Category-III requires minor remedial measures which are rectifiable during the year. Category-II indicates major deficiencies requiring prompt remedial measures and Category-I indicate the most serious deficiencies, which if left unattended, may lead to their failure.

As per the information provided by the National Dam Safety Authority, the post-monsoon inspection reports of 2025 indicate that three specified dams have been classified under Category-I. These include the Medigadda Barrage in Telangana, the Lower Khajuri Dam in Uttar Pradesh, and the Bokaro Barrage in Jharkhand.

In addition, 216 dams have been categorized under Category-II. Of these, 69 specified dams are more than fifty years old.

To improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams across the country along with institutional strengthening for dam safety, Govt. of India is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), Phase-II and III. The scheme is of 10 years duration (2021-2031), being implemented in two phases, each of 6 years duration with 2 years of overlap with external funding. The scheme envisages the rehabilitation and safety enhancement of 736 dams spread across 19 States and three Central agencies, with a total financial outlay of Rs. 10,211 crores. DRIP Phase-II has become operational from 12th October 2021, and is being co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB). The financial outlay for Phase II is Rs. 5,107 crores, while Phase III has an allocation of Rs. 5,104 crores.

Rehabilitation and improvement works under the Scheme aim to enhance dam safety and flood-handling capacity through structural and non-structural measures. These include raising parapet walls, improving spillways, preparing O&M Manuals and Emergency Action Plans, repairing or replacing gates and hydro-mechanical components, strengthening dam structures with grouting and seepage control, and upgrading safety facilities such as access roads, lighting, catwalks, and DG sets.

Under the ongoing DRIP-II Scheme, rehabilitation proposals (called Project Screening Template, PST) of 173 dams amounting to Rs. 4,744 crores have been approved. Contracts amounting to Rs. 2816 crores have been awarded by the various Implementing States/agencies. The total expenditure under DRIP-II scheme up to 31^st December 2025 is Rs. 2029 crores. Major physical rehabilitation works have been completed at 35 dams.

State/Agency-wise details of funds allocated and expenditure incurred under DRIP-II Scheme are given at Annexure.

Based on the post-monsoon inspection reports of 2025, three dams have been classified under Category-I, reflecting serious safety concerns and vulnerabilities that pose significant risks and demand urgent intervention to ensure their continued safe operation. Of these, two Category-I dams namely Lower Khajuri Dam in Uttar Pradesh and the Bokaro Barrage of the Damodar Valley Corporation have been included under the DRIP-II Scheme for rehabilitation and safety enhancement.

With regard to the third Category-I dam, the Lakshmi (Medigadda) Barrage, the State has been requested to implement the various preventive and mitigating measures recommended by the National Dam Safety Authority to safeguard the structure’s integrity and resilience.

ANNEXURE

State/Agency-wise Fund allocation and Expenditure under DRIP Phase-II

(As on 31^st December 2025)

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