Dam Safety Assessment in Tamil Nadu

Summary Notes on Dam Safety Assessment in Tamil Nadu

Constitutional & Legal Framework:

• National Dam Safety Act, 2021: Governs the safety and regulation of major dams in India. Tamil Nadu has identified 86 dams and reservoirs under this act.
• Timeline: The comprehensive dam safety assessments must be conducted by December 30, 2026, as mandated by the Act.

Government Initiatives:

• Independent Panels Formation: Ensures evaluation of 86 specified dams in Tamil Nadu over the next six months. Each panel consists of experts in various fields including safety, design, seismic activity, geology, and hydrology.
• Experts Involved: Notable members include former chairmen of the Central Water Commission and top engineers from water resource departments.

Key Locations and Infrastructure:

• Dams under scrutiny include:
  • Major Dams: Mettur, Bhavanisagar, Amaravathy, Vaigai, Cholavaram (for Chennai's water supply).
  • Additional Dams by Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation: Includes Pykara and Kadamparai among the 38 maintained by TNGEC.

Jurisdiction and Regulatory Framework:

• National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Has jurisdiction over inter-State dams like Mullaperiyar, Parambikulam, and others. This has led to disputes with Kerala regarding ownership and maintenance.

Dams Demographics in Tamil Nadu:

• Total of 123 dams listed under the National Dam Safety Act:
  • 5 dams are aged over 100 years.
  • 59 dams are between 50-99 years old.
  • 40 dams are between 25-49 years old.
  • 19 dams are less than 25 years old.

Challenges and Observations:

• Tamil Nadu historically opposed the transferring of jurisdiction over dams to the NDSA, claiming operational ownership, which is contested by Kerala.
• The formation of panels aims to enhance the safety and maintenance standards of these crucial water supplies for the region.

Conclusion: The Tamil Nadu government is proactively engaging in assessing and ensuring the structural integrity and safety of its dams following the provisions of the National Dam Safety Act, highlighting a commitment to infrastructure safety amidst interstate disputes.