Hindu Editorial Analysis : 23-October-2023

The recent dam collapse in Sikkim has spotlighted critical issues in India’s dam safety legislation and implementation. With 4,407 large dams, India faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety of these structures, which are essential for water management, power generation, and flood control.

Major Threats to Dams in India
  • Ageing Dams: Over 80% of India’s dams are over 25 years old, with 234 surpassing a century, making safety paramount.
  • Sediment Accumulation: Sediments and siltation reduce reservoir capacity and lifespan, impacting water storage.
  • Structural Vulnerabilities: Many dams are earthen, prone to ageing, leading to structural concerns over time.
  • Flood Vulnerability: Concentrated rainfall and inadequate downstream flood management contribute to dam vulnerability.
  • Seismic Threat: Himalayan dams face seismic risks due to tectonic movements, emphasizing the need for robust safety measures.
Dam Safety Act (DSA), 2021
  • Scope: DSA covers dams higher than 15 meters or 10-15 meters with specific design conditions, focusing on prevention of dam-related disasters.
  • National Bodies: National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) and National Dam Safety Authority ensure policy evolution, technical assistance, and conflict resolution.
  • State Roles: State bodies classify dams based on hazard, conduct inspections, create emergency plans, and report incidents.
  • Compliance: DSA mandates dam owners to establish Dam Safety Units, formulate Emergency Action Plans, and comply with inspections.
Challenges Highlighted by Sikkim’s Dam Collapse
  • Lacunae in Legislation: The Sikkim incident exposed gaps in DSA, lacking risk-based decision-making and transparency incentives.
  • Transparency Issues: Limited public access to dam safety information impedes accountability and objective decision-making.
  • Neglect and Poor Compliance: The incident exposed deficiencies in dam design, operation, data recording, and emergency planning, indicating widespread neglect.
Why In News

Sikkim’s recent dam collapse highlights the alarming blind spots in both the Dam Safety Act’s legislation and its flawed implementation. Urgent reforms and stringent oversight are imperative to prevent such tragedies and safeguard our communities from future disasters.

MCQs about India’s Dam Safety Crisis

  1. What is the primary challenge faced by India’s aging dams?
    A) Insufficient power generation
    B) Structural vulnerabilities
    C) Limited water storage capacity
    D) Inadequate downstream flood management
    Correct Answer: B) Structural vulnerabilities
    Explanation: Many of India’s dams are earthen, making them prone to aging and structural concerns over time, emphasizing the challenge of ensuring their stability and safety.
  2. Which body is responsible for implementing policies of the National Committee on Dam Safety and providing technical assistance to State Dam Safety Organisations?
    A) National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)
    B) National Dam Safety Authority
    C) State Committee on Dam Safety
    D) Dam Safety Unit
    Correct Answer: B) National Dam Safety Authority
    Explanation: The National Dam Safety Authority’s functions include implementing policies of the National Committee, providing technical assistance to State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs), and resolving matters between SDSOs of states or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state.
  3. What major event led to the collapse of the Teesta III dam in Sikkim?
    A) Earthquake
    B) Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)
    C) Severe drought
    D) Landslide
    Correct Answer: B) Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)
    Explanation: The collapse of the Teesta III dam in Sikkim was caused by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in North Sikkim’s South Lhonak Lake, washing away the dam.
  4. According to the Dam Safety Act (DSA) of 2021, what is the consequence for failure to comply with any provision of the Act resulting in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof?
    A) Fine
    B) Community service
    C) Imprisonment
    D) Warning letter
    Correct Answer: C) Imprisonment
    Explanation: The DSA stipulates that failure to comply with any provision of the Act resulting in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof can lead to imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, highlighting the seriousness of non-compliance in ensuring dam safety.

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