1. Introduction
As part of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) was established to serve as India’s central regulatory agency tasked with overseeing the safety and proper management of the country’s large dams. With over 5,700 large dams and many more under construction, NDSA represents a critical institutional shift toward proactive, accountable, and standardized dam governance.
2. Establishment and Structure of the NDSA
The NDSA was officially constituted under Section 8 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, as a statutory body under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. It is headquartered in New Delhi, with the authority to establish regional offices as required for better field-level coordination and inspection.
The authority is headed by a Chairperson, appointed by the Central Government, supported by:
- Five technical members (civil, electrical, hydrology, dam instrumentation, dam safety evaluation)
- One administrative member
- Supporting officers and staff drawn from engineering services and administrative cadres
3. Functions and Powers of the NDSA
NDSA is mandated with a broad range of regulatory, supervisory, and enforcement responsibilities:
A. Implementation
- Enforces the policies, standards, and guidelines formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)
- Oversees the establishment and functioning of State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs)
- Ensures all dam owners comply with the technical, safety, and reporting norms set out under the Act
B. Regulation
- Maintains a centralized dam safety database for all specified dams
- Prescribes technical manuals, safety protocols, and instrumentation standards
- Ensures regular submission of:
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
- Periodic inspection reports
C. Supervision
- Monitors the performance of SDSOs and dam owners
- Audits dam safety compliance across states and central agencies
- Conducts site visits and technical evaluations of high-risk dams
4. Role as a Regulatory Body
Unlike advisory entities, NDSA holds statutory authority to enforce compliance, issue directions, and take corrective action where safety lapses are detected. Its regulatory functions include:
- Approving or rejecting dam safety documents submitted by dam owners
- Mandating repairs, retrofitting, or operational restrictions for unsafe dams
- Certifying new and rehabilitated dams before commissioning
It acts as the centralized command for dam safety enforcement in India, ensuring that safety is not left to state discretion alone.
5. Powers to Resolve Disputes
NDSA holds quasi-judicial authority to adjudicate disputes between:
- Two or more state governments
- A state and a central public sector dam-owning agency
- SDSOs and dam owners
Disputes may involve issues such as:
- Operation of inter-state dams
- Sharing of safety responsibilities
- Access to inspection data
NDSA’s decisions are binding and can only be challenged in higher courts, ensuring timely and technically informed resolution of safety concerns.
6. Jurisdiction and Authority
The NDSA’s jurisdiction extends to:
- All “specified dams” across India (as defined by size and hazard potential)
- Both public and private dam owners
- Central and State Government agencies
It has the power to:
- Issue binding directions
- Impose penalties for non-compliance (as defined under the Act)
- Direct emergency action or decommissioning if a dam is found unsafe
7. Organizational Structure and Capacity
NDSA’s organizational framework is designed for technical specialization and regional oversight:
- Technical Divisions: Each led by an expert member, focusing on design, instrumentation, hydrology, seismic safety, and dam condition assessment.
- Legal and Administrative Cell: Manages dispute resolution and policy implementation.
- Regional Offices (planned): To assist with field inspections and coordinate with SDSOs and state engineers.
To strengthen its capacity, the Authority also partners with:
- Research institutions and IITs
- Remote sensing and telemetry providers
- Disaster management agencies and the CWC
8. Conclusion
The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) is India’s first dedicated and empowered regulator for dam safety. It bridges the gap between policy and enforcement, offering a comprehensive mechanism to manage dam risks, standardize safety norms, and build institutional accountability. As India faces increasing hydrological extremes and aging infrastructure, NDSA’s role in enforcing, supervising, and guiding dam safety will be central to protecting life, property, and critical water resources.
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