1. Introduction
While national-level bodies like the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) and National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) create a centralized regulatory framework, effective dam safety requires localized execution. For this, the Dam Safety Act, 2021 mandates each state to establish two key institutions:
- State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS)
- State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO)
These bodies form the operational backbone for monitoring, regulating, and managing dam safety at the regional level.
2. Establishment of SCDS and SDSO
Under Sections 11 and 14 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021:
- Each state is required to establish a State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) for policy oversight and inter-agency coordination.
- A State Dam Safety Organization (SDSO) is to be established or designated as the executing agency responsible for ground-level dam safety monitoring, inspections, and technical compliance.
3. Composition and Functions of the SCDS
Composition
The SCDS is headed by:
- Chairperson: Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Water Resources/Irrigation Department
Members include:
- Chief Engineer of the SDSO
- Representatives from Geological Survey, Disaster Management, Power Sector
- Dam owners (public and private sector)
- Experts in geotechnical and structural engineering
Functions
- Review and monitor the safety status of all specified dams in the state.
- Ensure compliance with the Act and NDSA guidelines.
Facilitate preparation and timely update of:
- Inspection reports
- Operation & Maintenance (O&M) manuals
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
- Advise dam owners on best practices and risk mitigation.
The SCDS acts as a bridge between policy and implementation, ensuring strategic oversight over technical and administrative aspects of dam safety.
4. Role and Responsibilities of SDSO
The State Dam Safety Organization is the executive technical agency tasked with:
A. Surveillance and Inspections
- Conducting periodic inspections (annual, post-seismic, flood-related)
- Visual and instrumented assessments of dam structures
- Identifying distress symptoms and recommending corrective measures
B. Monitoring and Instrumentation
- Installation and management of piezometers, inclinometers, and settlement gauges
- Analyzing data and transmitting critical information to dam owners and SCDS
C. Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Oversight
- Verifying that dam owners follow approved O&M manuals
- Coordinating repairs, retrofitting, or rehabilitation of aging dams
D. Reporting and Documentation
- Maintaining a digital database of dam history, safety status, and interventions
- Submitting reports to the SCDS and NDSA for review
5. Coordination Between State and National Bodies
- SDSOs operate under the guidance and supervision of NDSA
- SCDS aligns state-level dam safety policy with national standards set by NCDS
- Regular reporting and inspections are shared with NDSA to maintain national compliance
- Joint inspections and audits may be carried out in collaboration with NDSA for high-risk dams
This ensures vertical integration of dam safety governance, maintaining consistency across jurisdictions.
6. State-Level Implementation Challenges
A. Resource Constraints
Many SDSOs face a shortage of trained personnel, limited equipment, and insufficient funding.
B. Legacy Dams with Poor Records
Several dams have incomplete design or maintenance histories, making safety assessments complex.
C. Coordination Gaps
Multiple agencies involved in dam ownership or maintenance (e.g., irrigation, power) often lack unified protocols.
D. Capacity Building Needs
Training for field engineers, adoption of digital tools, and emergency preparedness are still developing.
7. Conclusion
The State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSO) form the frontline of dam safety enforcement. Their effectiveness determines how well India’s dam infrastructure can withstand hydraulic, seismic, and operational stresses. Strengthening their capacity, ensuring coordination with national bodies, and adopting modern monitoring systems are essential to the long-term resilience of India's water resources and infrastructure safety.
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