News: The Supreme Court directed a supervisory committee, chaired by the head of the National Dam Safety Authority, to examine concerns raised by Tamil Nadu against Kerala regarding the maintenance of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.
About National Dam Safety Authority
- The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is a statutory body in India established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 to ensure the safety and maintenance of dams across the country.
- Functions of NDSA
- Implementation of Dam Safety Standards – Ensures compliance with the guidelines set by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS).
- Technical Supervision – Oversees safety inspections, risk assessments, and maintenance of dams.
- Coordination Between States – Acts as a mediator in inter-state dam disputes and ensures uniform safety protocols.
- Emergency Response Planning – Works with disaster management agencies to prepare for dam failures and related hazards.
- Capacity Building & Research – Promotes research, training programs, and technological advancements in dam safety.
- Structure of NDSA
- The Chairperson, appointed by the central government, leads the authority.
- It includes technical experts in dam engineering, hydrology, and disaster management.
- Regional offices may be set up for better monitoring and coordination.
- Significance of NDSA
- India has over 5,700 large dams, many of which are aging and require stringent safety measures.
- Climate change, increasing water demand, and infrastructure development necessitate a robust regulatory framework for dam safety.
- The NDSA helps prevent dam failures, which could lead to catastrophic loss of life and property.
