Union Minister Shri C R Patil Inaugurates Symposium on Dam Safety Act, 2021 in New Delhi

Emphasizes Integrated Dam Safety Management, Lauds NDSA’s Role in Strengthening Safety Compliance
Union Minister Shri C R Patil inaugurated a symposium on “Dam Safety Act, 2021: Towards Integrated Dam Safety Management,” organized by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, at SCOPE Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event marked three years of NDSA’s journey and highlighted India’s progress in structured dam safety management.

In his keynote address, Shri Patil applauded NDSA’s efforts and emphasized that dam safety should be viewed not just as regulatory compliance, but as a national commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and resilience. He noted that the Dam Safety Act, 2021 has established a robust framework and institutional mechanisms to ensure safety and sustainability of India’s 6628 specified dams.

The Minister urged dam owners to allocate sufficient funds for safety initiatives and adopt advanced technology and global best practices. “With many dams aging and climate change adding new challenges, it’s imperative we act proactively,” he said.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Dr. Raj Bhushan Choudhary, stressed on the adoption of risk-based prioritization tools and called for greater participation of startups and private players in dam safety practices. He also underlined the importance of the DHARMA portal as a digital repository for dam data.

Key Releases at the Symposium:

• National Register of Specified Dams 2025 – A comprehensive database of 6628 dams
• Guidelines for O&M Manuals for Ungated Dams
• Compendium of Dam Safety Regulations under the Act
• National Strategy for Sustainable Dam Tourism Development

Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee highlighted India’s leadership in dam safety while cautioning against complacency. She emphasized the need for holistic, ground-level implementation and integration of climate resilience into dam safety frameworks.

Chairman, NDSA, Shri Anil Jain, reflected on the authority’s achievements and reiterated that dams are not just engineering feats but lifelines critical for irrigation, power, and flood control. CMD NHPC Shri R.K. Choudhary shared NHPC’s best practices through their SAHAJ SEWA portal, while officials from Maharashtra and other states discussed field-level progress and challenges such as manpower shortages and funding constraints.

The symposium saw participation from over 250 delegates across 18 states, including senior officials from central and state water resource departments, PSUs, and technical experts. The event served as a platform for exchange of ideas, experiences, and strategic direction in ensuring long-term dam safety across the nation.