Policy Update
Ashi Verma
Background
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 provides India’s statutory framework for the safety, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams. Its implementation has become increasingly important as India manages an ageing dam infrastructure and growing climate-related risks. India is home to 6,138 large dams as per the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) 2023, making it the third most dam-intensive country after China and the USA. These dams are the backbone of India’s water security, irrigation (covering 35% of irrigated area), hydropower (45,000 MW capacity), and flood moderation. However, the dam infrastructure is aging at an alarming rate. Over 75% of large dams are more than 25 years old and 227 dams have already crossed 100 years of age.
The average age of an Indian dam is 44 years. This aging profile, combined with increasing hydrological extremes due to climate change, has made dam safety a critical national security issue. For decades, dam safety in India was governed by non-statutory guidelines issued by the Dam Safety Organisation of the Central Water Commission (CWC) in 1986. There was no legal mandate for mandatory safety inspections, Emergency Action Plans (EAP), or penal provisions for negligence.
The absence of a comprehensive statutory framework for dam safety resulted in several avoidable tragedies. The Machchhu Dam failure in Morbi, Gujarat (1979), which claimed over 2,000 lives, and the more recent Tiware Dam failure in Maharashtra (2019), which claimed 23 lives, exposed gross negligence in maintenance and monitoring. In 2017, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted that 92% of dams in the country lacked Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and 40% lacked Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Manuals.
Taking cognizance of these concerns and the Supreme Court’s observations in 2018 in Russel Joy vs Union of India regarding the lack of a comprehensive dam safety mechanism and the need for disaster management protocols for the Mullaperiyar Dam the Government of India introduced the Dam Safety Bill, 2019. Despite deliberations and opposition from states citing federalism concerns, as water is a State subject under Entry 17 of List II, the Bill was enacted as the Dam Safety Act, 2021 (No. 16 of 2021) and came into force on 30th December 2021.
The Act provides for a uniform institutional mechanism for surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of specified dams across the country. As of 2026, after five years of enforcement, the Act is in its most crucial implementation phase, supported by the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & III, a Rs. 10,211 crore World Bank and AIIB-funded programme covering 736 dams in 19 states. This article assesses the Act’s implementation status in 2026, its institutional functioning, performance, and emerging challenges.
Functioning of the Dam Safety Act 2021
The Dam Safety Act, 2021 came into force to ensure uniform safety procedures for all specified dams across India. Its functioning is based on a robust institutional and technological framework.
1. Applicability -The Act does not cover all dams. It only applies to Specified Dams those with a height of more than 15 metres, or dams between 10 and 15 metres with a storage capacity of more than 1 Million Cubic Metres. Of the 6,138 large dams in India as per the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) 2023, around 5,745 dams fall under this definition as per NRLD 2019 (5,334 completed and 411 under construction) Source: National Register of Large Dams, Central Water Commission; PIB Press Release, Ministry of Jal Shakti, 7 Aug 2023.
2. The Four-Tier Institutional Structure :
a) National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): This is the policy-making body chaired by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission. It frames safety guidelines and protocols.
b) National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Established in February 2022 and headquartered in New Delhi, it is the core regulatory authority. It implements the policies evolved by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS), maintains the national database of specified dams, investigates dam failures and mediates in inter-state disputes.
c) State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS): Formed in each state under the Engineer-in-Chief. It monitors dam safety within the state.
d) State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO): Field-level body. As of early 2026, all 24 dam-owning states have notified SDSOs. They conduct pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections.
3. Mandatory Compliance for Dam Owners: Establishment of a Dam Safety Unit at each dam site
– Preparation of Operation and Maintenance Manual
– Preparation of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) with inundation maps and evacuation plans
– Two inspections every year and Comprehensive Safety Evaluation every 10 years
4. Technology Integration (DHARMA Portal) : All dam data is now digitized on the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA). Its upgraded version, DHARMA 2.0, launched in 2024, uses AI-based predictive analysis.
5. Funding and Penal Provision : Implementation is backed by DRIP Phase II and III (2021-2031), and a Rs 10211 crore scheme funded by the World Bank and AIIB, covering 736 dams in 19 states. Non-compliance can lead to up to 2 years imprisonment.
Impact of the Dam Safety Act 2021
The implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 has shown considerable progress in the last five years. The major success of the Act is the creation of a uniform institutional framework across the country. By February 2026, all 24 dam-owning states had constituted their State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO). The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has also become fully operational and is regularly monitoring compliance through the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) portal.
The physical progress is largely driven by the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III. The scheme was operationalised in October 2021 and envisages rehabilitation of 736 dams across 19 states and three central agencies Central Water Commission (CWC), Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). The total project outlay is ₹10,211 crore (Phase II: ₹5,107 crore; Phase III: ₹5,104 crore), with ₹7,000 crore as external loan and ₹3,211 crore borne by participating states and central agencies.
The Phase II scheme is co-financed by the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Jal Shakti (11 Aug 2025), Project Screening Templates (PSTs) for 191 dams amounting to ₹5,053 crore have been approved and major physical rehabilitation works have been completed at 43 dams under DRIP Phase II.
Technology adoption is another positive outcome. The Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) portal has now digitized data of all specified dams. About 120 major dams such as Bhakra Nangal, Tehri and Hirakud have been fitted with real-time monitoring instruments like piezometers, seismic sensors and automated data loggers which are directly linked to the central server.
Performance and Implementation Status in 2026
The performance of the Act is evaluated on the basis of tangible outputs under its statutory mandate.
a) Institutional Operationalization – The major success of the Act in the last five years is the creation of a uniform institutional framework. By February 2026, all 24 dam-owning states had constituted their State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO). The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), which was set up in February 2022, has become fully operational and the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) is regularly framing new guidelines.
b) Progress under DRIP – The physical progress is largely driven by the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II and III. Under this project, 736 dams from 19 states have been selected with a financial outlay of Rs 10211 crore, supported by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). As per National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) Annual Report 2025-26, Comprehensive Safety Evaluation of 412 dams has been completed and rehabilitation work is ongoing.
c) Emergency Preparedness – Emergency Action Plans (EAP) have been prepared for 580 dams and 320 of them have been uploaded on the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) website and shared with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). This has helped in mapping vulnerable populations of around 1.2 crore people living in downstream areas.
d) Technology Integration – The Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) portal has now digitized data of all specified dams. About 120 major dams such as Bhakra Nangal, Tehri and Hirakud have been fitted with real time monitoring instruments linked to DHARMA 2.0. This has enabled early warning in case of structural stress.
e) Uneven State-wise Performance – Performance is not uniform. Southern states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala have shown 100 percent Emergency Action Plan (EAP) completion. However, North Eastern states and central Indian states are lagging behind due to shortage of technical staff in their State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO) and financial constraints.
Emerging Issues in Dam Safety
1)Concerns regarding Centre-State relations: The Act has raised concerns regarding Centre–State relations, particularly over the division of powers. Although water is primarily a State subject, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has been empowered to issue directions to States. States such as Tamil Nadu and Odisha have argued that these provisions may increase central intervention in State responsibilities.
2)Old Dams and Climate Change – Out of 5,745 specified dams, over 80% are more than 25 years old and 234 dams are over 100 years old. These dams were designed as per historical rainfall data. However, as per NDMA (2020), glacial retreat due to climate change has increased formation of glacial lakes and GLOF risk. The 2023 South Lhonak GLOF event in Sikkim highlighted this risk for dam safety.
3)Shortage of Staff and Money – State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) in many states do not have enough engineers and technical staff, and face funding constraints. States have highlighted shortage of trained manpower as a key challenge in implementing the Dam Safety Act, and small states remain dependent on Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) funds for regular repairs.
4) Problem with Private Dams – A number of dams are owned and operated by private entities. Ensuring timely and complete data entry and compliance with safety protocols by all dam owners on the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) portal remains a challenge for maintaining a comprehensive national database.
5) Less Involvement of Local People – The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is made on paper but people living below the dam often do not know about it. As a result, conduct of awareness programmes and mock drills for evacuation remains limited in many downstream villages, which may affect effectiveness during a real emergency.
Way Forward for Dam Safety in India
Dam Safety Act 2021 is a good step, but its proper implementation is still a challenge. To make dams really safe for the future, the government needs to take some important steps. Some suggestions are given below:
- Cooperative Federalism – To solve the federalism issue, NDSA should work as a guide, not as a boss. Its role should be only to provide technical advice. States should have final power because water is a state subject. Regular meetings between the Centre and States are needed.
- Use of New Technology for Old Dams -For old dams and climate change risk, we should use new technology like sensors, drones and satellite monitoring. Early warning systems should be installed. Design of dams should be updated as per new rainfall data and GLOF risk.
- More Staff and Funds – The government should fill all vacant posts in SDSO quickly. Training should be given to engineers. More funds should be given to small and poor states for dam repair. DRIP scheme should be continued with more budget.
- Strict Rule for Private Dams – Private dam owners must share all safety data on the DHARMA portal. It should be made compulsory. If they do not share data, their licence should be cancelled. No compromise on public safety.
- Involvement of Local Community – Local people should be involved in the Emergency Action Plan (EAP). Mock drills should be done in every village every 6 months. EAP should be made in the local language so people can understand it easily. NDMA should check it regularly.
References
1.Central Water Commission. (2023). National register of large dams.https://cwc.gov.in/national-register-large-dams-nrld
2.Central Water Commission. (2024). DHARMA – Dam health and rehabilitation monitoring application. https://dharma-wris.nrsc.gov.in
3.Lok Sabha Secretariat. (2019). The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 – Bill No. 108 of 2019. https://loksabhadocs.nic.in
4.Ministry of Jal Shakti. (2021). The Dam Safety Act, 2021. https://jalshakti-dowr.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Dam-Safety-Act-2021.pdf
5.Ministry of Jal Shakti. (2024). National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA). https://damsafety.cwc.gov.in
6.Press Information Bureau. (2021, December 2). Parliament passes Dam Dam Safety Bill 2019 https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1777485
7.Press Information Bureau. (2021, December 13). The Dam Safety Act comes into force from today. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1780
8.Press Information Bureau. (2023, March 20). Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & III. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1908946
About the Contributor
Ashi is pursuing B.A Program (History and Political Science) from Maitreyi College (NCWEB) South Campus Delhi University with a major in Political Science. She is passionate about governance, public policy, social issues and digital innovation, with a keen interest in research, academic writing, and data documentation. Through research and policy analysis, she aims to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and create meaningful social impact.
Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to IMPRI (Impact and Policy Research Institute) for giving me the opportunity to work as an intern and write on such an important topic. I would also like to acknowledge the official sources like the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Central Water Commission (CWC), Press Information Bureau (PIB) whose authentic data and reports helped me to complete this article.
Name of Reviewer’s: Sandra Menon and Raushan
Name of Publisher: Neha Kumari
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of IMPRI (Impact and Policy Research Institute) or any other affiliated organisation. The information presented in this article is based on publicly available government sources and is intended solely for academic and research purposes
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