Union govt. yet to wake up from its slumber on Dam Safety Act, says SC
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)
| Topic: GS3 – Disaster and disaster management |
| Context |
| ●The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for failing to implement the Dam Safety Act, 2021, to ensure dam safety and prevent disasters. |
Analysis of the news:
- The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for not fully implementing the Dam Safety Act, 2021, nearly five years after its passage.
- The court emphasized that despite the Act being enacted, the National Committee on Dam Safety had not been formed.
- Kerala raised concerns about the safety of the 129-year-old Mullaperiyar dam, requesting a reduction in its permissible water level to prevent potential disasters.
- Section 5 of the Act mandates the formation of the National Committee within 60 days of the Act’s commencement, which has not been done.
- Tamil Nadu informed the court about the establishment of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), but the court questioned the legality of its formation before the National Committee.
| Dam Safety Act, 2021 |
| The Dam Safety Act, 2021 is aimed at ensuring the safety of dams in India. Here are some of its key provisions:
●National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): The Act establishes an NCDS to advise on policy matters and standards related to dam safety. ●National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): The Act establishes an NDSA to implement the policies of the NCDS and resolve disputes between states or dam owners. ●State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs): Each state is required to establish an SDSO to inspect dams, monitor their safety, and maintain records. ●Surveillance and Inspection: The Act mandates regular surveillance and inspection of dams to assess their condition and identify potential risks. ●Emergency Action Plan: Dam owners are required to prepare and implement emergency action plans to mitigate the impact of dam failures. ●Offences and Penalties: The Act provides for penalties for violations of its provisions, including imprisonment and fines. The Act also includes provisions for the maintenance and repair of dams, the collection of data on dam safety, and the training of personnel involved in dam operations. |
| Practice Question: Despite the passing of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, its implementation has been sluggish. Critically examine the reasons for the lackluster enforcement of the Act and its potential impact on national disaster preparedness (250 Words /15 marks) |
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