In a heartfelt gathering that brought together dam experts, government officials, and stakeholders from across the country, Union Minister Shri C R Patil inaugurated a crucial symposium on “Dam Safety Act, 2021: Towards Integrated Dam Safety Management” in New Delhi. Organized by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), under the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, the event marked three years of the Dam Safety Act’s journey and shined a light on the shared national responsibility of keeping India’s dams safe.
The event resonated with urgency and purpose, emphasizing the need to view dam safety not just as a legal mandate, but as a moral obligation to protect human lives, preserve the environment, and secure the future of water infrastructure. Shri Patil commended the NDSA for its pivotal role in building a robust institutional framework under the Act. He underlined the importance of adhering to global best practices, modern technology, and sustained funding to ensure the longevity and safety of India’s aging dams.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, added a powerful voice to the discourse, urging states to prioritize risk-based safety approaches and integrate innovations from startups and the private sector. He highlighted the significance of the DHARMA portal—a centralized system for monitoring dam health and rehabilitation.
Several key documents were unveiled during the event, including the National Register of Specified Dams-2025, which catalogues 6,628 dams across India, guidelines for maintaining ungated dams, a compendium of regulations under the Dam Safety Act, and a national strategy for promoting eco-friendly tourism at dam sites.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary of the Department, praised the collaborative spirit that has underpinned the Act’s implementation, while also issuing a caution against complacency. She highlighted the growing challenges posed by climate change, urging holistic and ground-level planning to address safety concerns.
NDSA Chairman Shri Anil Jain reminded the audience that dams are not just engineering structures—they are lifelines for millions, supporting agriculture, electricity, and flood protection. He called on all stakeholders to embrace dam safety as a shared duty that transcends bureaucratic boundaries.
The event also saw contributions from Shri R.K. Choudhary of NHPC, who outlined the organization’s internal safety mechanisms and the use of their portal, “SAHAJ SEWA,” for efficient dam management. Dr. Sanjay Belsare, from Maharashtra, shared practical insights and on-ground challenges like funding gaps and shortage of trained personnel.
In deeply engaging technical sessions, experts discussed the legal and operational aspects of the Dam Safety Act, emphasizing the critical need for regular inspections, capacity building, and emergency preparedness. Representatives from states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya shared their own experiences and echoed common concerns, particularly in resource mobilization and training.
Over 250 delegates from 18 states attended the symposium, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and commitment. The event stood as a strong reminder that dam safety is more than a technical necessity—it is a promise to future generations, one that demands both compassion and competence.
