Context: The Supreme Court directed a supervisory committee, constituted by the Centre and chaired by the head of the National Dam Safety Authority, to look into issues raised by Tamil Nadu against Kerala concerning the maintenance of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar dam.
About National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)
- The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has come into force as of February 18, 2022, following the passing of the Dam Safety Act in December 2021.
- The NDSA’s main role is to maintain dam safety standards, prevent dam-related disasters, and resolve inter-State issues concerning dam safety.
- The Authority will work with State-level dam safety organizations and dam owners to standardize safety data and practices.
- The NDSA will be led by a chairman and five members, each heading one of its five divisions: policy and research, technical, regulation, disaster resilience, and administration and finance.
- The headquarters will be located in the national capital region, supported by four regional offices.
- A 22-member National Committee on Dam Safety has been constituted, chaired by the Chairman of the Central Water Commission.
- The NDSA will also resolve disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations or between these organizations and dam owners, addressing issues like the ongoing dispute between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the Mullaperiyar dam.
- India has 5,264 completed large dams and 437 under construction, as per the National Register of Large Dams.
- The Dam Safety Act aims to establish an institutional framework for ensuring dam safety in India.
- Headquarters: New Delhi
Functions of NDSA
- Regulation and Oversight: The NDSA oversees, regulates, and inspects dams across India.
- Policy and Guidelines: It plays a crucial role in creating policies and guidelines for dam construction, maintenance, and operation.
- Conflict Resolution: The NDSA helps resolve issues between state dam safety organizations or between a state organization and a dam owner.
- Public Awareness: The NDSA conducts programs to educate citizens on dam safety.
- Emergency Response: It ensures that emergency response plans are in place in case of natural disasters or unexpected events.
| About Mullaperiyar Dam Location: The Mullaperiyar Dam is situated on the Periyar River in Idukki district, Kerala, India. It is located 881 m (2,890 ft) above sea level in the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats, Thekkady. Construction: Built between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick, the dam was designed to divert water eastward to the Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu). Dimensions: The dam has a height of 53.6 m (176 ft) from its foundation and a length of 365.7 m (1,200 ft). Reservoir and Surroundings: The Periyar National Park is located around the dam’s reservoir, which is formed at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers. Operational Control: Though located in Kerala, the dam is operated and maintained by the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. |