India is home to a vast network of rivers which has led to the construction of numerous dams, some of which age back to decades. The regulation and maintenance of these structures is essential for their safe operation, preventing catastrophic consequences that can arise from dam failures. This article discusses the recent incident at the Karam Dam on the tributary of the Narmada River, highlighting the state of dam safety in India, the crucial Dam Safety Act 2021, and the way forward.
About Karam and Narmada Rivers
The Karam River, a tributary of the Narmada, recently witnessed a major incident when the outer part of the under-construction Karam Dam collapsed. The Narmada, originating from the Maikala range near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh, is the largest west-flowing river of the peninsular region. It traverses a rift valley between the Vindhya Range to the north and the Satpura Range to the south. The river drains a large area in Madhya Pradesh and some regions in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Important tributaries include the Hiran, Orsang, the Barna, and the Kolar.
Major Hydro Projects and Social Movements
Significant hydro power projects such as Indira Sagar and Sardar Sarovar are situated in the Narmada basin. The river has also been the center of social movements like the Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA), a campaign against large dam projects, spearheaded by native tribes, farmers, environmentalists, and human rights activists.
Dam Safety Act 2021
The Dam Safety Act 2021 provides a framework for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams, i.e., dams over 15m in height and between 10m and 15m with certain design and structural conditions. The Act forms two national bodies: the National Committee on Dam Safety, responsible for evolving policies and offering dam safety regulations; and the National Dam Safety Authority, tasked with implementing committee policies and settling matters between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state.
State and Dam Owners’ Responsibility
Additionally, two state bodies are constituted under the Act – the State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs), responsible for perpetual surveillance, inspection, and monitoring of dams, and the State Committee on Dam Safety, which supervises rehabilitation programs, reviews SDSO work, and monitors progress on dam safety measures. Dam owners, as per the Act, are accountable for safe construction, operation, and maintenance of dams, including inspections before and after the monsoon season and during and after major events like earthquakes or floods.
Potential Issues with the Act
Despite its comprehensive approach, the Dam Safety Act 2021 has generated debates regarding its jurisdiction over intra-state river dams and possible amendments made through notifications rather than parliamentary approval. These debates call for more clarity and consensus in implementing the Act.
Ensuring Dam Safety: The Way Forward
The main aspect in ensuring dam safety is the existence of accountability and transparency, particularly considering the views of people living downstream who face the highest risk in case of a dam breach. Operational safety demands regular upgrades to the ‘rule curve’, which decides how a dam is to be operated. This rule curve must be publicly accessible so that the public can monitor its adherence and raise concerns if necessary.