Supreme Court Criticizes Centre’s Delay in Implementing Dam Safety Act

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Why in News

The Supreme Court has criticized the Union government for failing to fully implement the Dam Safety Act, 2021, which was enacted nearly five years ago to prevent dam-related disasters and ensure safe functioning. The issue has gained attention due to concerns over the Mullaperiyar Dam’s safety and permissible water levels.

Dam Safety Act, 2021:

To ensure the safety, operation, and maintenance of specified dams in India and prevent dam-related disasters.
Covers all dams with a height of more than 15 meters or between 10-15 meters if they meet specific structural or hazardous criteria.
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): Formulate dam safety policies, guidelines, and regulations.
Composition: Chaired by the Chairperson of the Central Water Commission (CWC). Members include representatives from state governments and dam-owning agencies.
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Implement dam safety policies formulated by the NCDS. Resolve disputes between states or dam-owning agencies. Located in Delhi.
State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO): Monitor and ensure the safety of dams within the respective states.
Responsibilities of Dam Owners:
- Maintain records of construction, operation, and maintenance.
- Carry out risk assessments and inspections at specified intervals.
- Prepare and implement Emergency Action Plans (EAP).
- Section 5 of the Act mandates the formation of a National Committee on Dam Safety within 60 days of the Act’s commencement. Despite this legal obligation, the State of Kerala highlighted that no significant action has been taken to fulfil these provisions between 2021 and 2025.

Mullaperiyar Dam:

The Mullaperiyar dam is located on the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers in Kerala’s Idukki district.
The dam stands at the height of 53.66 metres and 365.85 metres in length.
It is operated and maintained by the Tamil Nadu for meeting the drinking water and irrigation requirements of five of its southern districts.
- According to a 999-year lease agreement made during the British rule the operational rights were handed over to Tamil Nadu.
The dam intends to divert the waters of the west-flowing river Periyar eastward to the arid rain shadow regions of the Tamil Nadu.

Periyar River:

The Periyar River is the longest river in the state of Kerala with a length of 244 km.
Periyar River originates from Sivagiri hills of Western Ghats and flows through the Periyar National Park.
It is also known as ‘Lifeline of Kerala’ as it is one of the few perennial rivers in the state.
The main tributaries of Periyar are:
- Muthirapuzha,
- Mullayar,
- Cheruthoni,
- Perinjankutti.