The Union Government enacted the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which came into effect on 30^th December 2021. The Act provides a comprehensive framework for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country, ensuring their safe functioning and minimizing the risk of dam-related disasters. Since its enactment, dam inspections have been institutionalized in all States/UTs, with mandatory pre-monsoon and post-monsoon safety audits. Furthermore, several States/UTs have constituted Independent Panels of Experts to undertake comprehensive safety evaluations, thereby strengthening surveillance, maintenance, and overall resilience of specified dams.

The year-wise details of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections of specified dams, as reported by the respective dam owners, are presented in the table below:

Year	Pre-Monsson Inspection of Dams (Nos.)	Post-Monsson Inspection of Dams (Nos.)
2023	6414	5881
2024	6366	6456
2025	6524	6555

To improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams across the country, Govt. of India is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), Phase-II & III with external funding. The project emphasizes rehabilitation works, safety improvement, and capacity building, ensuring that vulnerable dams are strengthened against structural and hydrological risks.

Further, the digital tools developed under DRIP-II are enabling dam owners, State Dam Safety Organizations, and the National Dam Safety Authority to effectively fulfill their obligations under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 within the prescribed timelines. In parallel, the capacity-building programmes conducted under the project have been effective in strengthening institutional frameworks across States.

Moreover, under DRIP-II, the technology demonstration both related to use of diagnostic tools, studies and rehabilitation techniques is helping the States to adopt cost effective solutions. Apart from this, major rehabilitation works on 40 distressed dams have been completed under the scheme.

Project allocations under DRIP Phase-II are made to implementing agencies on the basis of comprehensive proposals that encompass both structural and non-structural measures for selected dams, including provision of early warning systems. In line with the Dam Safety Act, 2021, these agencies have made proposal for installation of instrumentation for health monitoring of dams. To facilitate this, the Central Water Commission has prepared and circulated standard bidding documents for instrumentation works at dams and barrages, while also extending technical support to States in formulating their instrumentation plans. Simultaneously, DRIP implementing agencies are developing Emergency Action Plans for their designated dams and establishing early warning to ensure timely alerts to downstream communities.

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has been established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021. The Authority oversees dam safety standards, regulates inspections, and implements policies framed by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS).

As mandated under the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, NDSA on the recommendations of the NCDS has prepared and published 20 dam safety regulations through official Gazette notifications. In addition, NDSA has played a pivotal role in standardizing guidelines, monitoring compliance with the Act, and providing technical oversight and support to States. These efforts have significantly strengthened the safety, surveillance, and maintenance of specified dams across the country.

As part of the implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, dam owners are preparing Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for their respective dams. Mock drills, conducted in coordination with State Governments, District Authorities, and Disaster Management Agencies, are enhancing preparedness for floods and extreme weather events. These exercises strengthen stakeholder coordination and improve response mechanisms.

In addition to these efforts, NDSA has organized Community Awareness Programs at various dam sites, involving State authorities, other stakeholders, and downstream communities. These programmes aim to build awareness on dam safety, promote proactive risk mitigation, and strengthen resilience and emergency preparedness.

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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ND

(Rajya Sabha USQ 4077)

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