Dams are crucial for development of India but they can become a safety hazard too. In the light of above statement, discuss the potential of Dam rehabilitation and improvement project to address the challenges pertaining to Dam safety in India.
A UN report recently highlighted that at least 50% of Dams in India will be more than 50 years old by 2040, necessitating ensuring dam safety through retro fittings, modifications, rehabilitation and improvement.
Challenges pertaining to Dam safety in India:
- India has more than 5000 large dams, with some as old as 100 years and constructed during the British period. E.g. Mullaperiyar Dam in 1921.
- Dams are considered a safety hazard beyond 75-80 years.
- Weakening of structural rigidity and integrity of dams.
- Siltation and lowering flood water capacity of various dams.
- Danger of breach of stored water, inundating surrounding areas and causing loss of life and property.
- Politicization of issue of dam rehabilitation, e.g. disagreement between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over Mullaperiyar dam.
- Lack of capacity building and training – dam engineers, workers, etc.
Dam rehabilitation and improvement project (DRIP):
- DRIP is a project for improving dam safety in India.
- It comprises two phases, with modification of 221 dams in phase I and phase II to be implemented over the next 10 years with the 736 times identified.
- World Bank to provide credit support to India.
- Can help in ensuring timely rehabilitation of old dams.
Success of a DRIP hinges on providing adequate high skilled workforce and understanding that dam decommissioning is as important as dam building.
Originally written on
August 5, 2023
and last modified on
October 27, 2024.