The Dam Safety Act, 2021

The Dam Safety Act, 2021, is a comprehensive legislation that aims to provide for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams in India. It establishes institutional mechanisms to prevent dam failure-related disasters and ensures the safe functioning of dams. The Act seeks to promote a uniform dam safety procedure across the country.

1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:

The Dam Safety Act, 2021, was enacted to provide for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams for the prevention of dam failure-related disasters. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), Government of India.

2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:

The Act was enacted on 13th December 2021. It is divided into eleven chapters and has 56 sections, along with three schedules.

3: Act Governed By:

The Act is governed by multiple bodies, including the National Committee on Dam Safety, the National Dam Safety Authority, and the State Committees on Dam Safety. The Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees the implementation of the Act and provides overall guidance. The Act also involves State Governments, dam owners, and various other stakeholders.

4: On Whom it is applicable:

This Act applies to the owners of all specified dams in India. This includes the Central Government, State Governments, public sector undertakings, companies, and any other entity that owns, controls, operates, or maintains a specified dam. The Act aims to ensure that all specified dams adhere to uniform safety procedures.

5: Penalties/Punishments:

The Act prescribes penalties for various offenses, including:

• Obstructing officers in the discharge of their duties.

• Refusing to comply with directions issued under the Act.

• Violations of the provisions of the Act by a Department of the Government.

• Offenses by companies.
  Penalties range from monetary fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.

6: Important Pointers:

• The Act establishes the National Committee on Dam Safety to evolve dam safety policies.

• It creates the National Dam Safety Authority to implement these policies.

• It mandates the establishment of State Committees on Dam Safety and State Dam Safety Organisations.

• The Act outlines the duties and functions of dam owners, including surveillance, inspection, and maintenance.

• It includes provisions for vulnerability and hazard classification of dams.

• The Act emphasizes the need for emergency action plans and disaster management.

• It also provides for comprehensive dam safety evaluations and the maintenance of technical documentation.

7: Act Copy: