Why is it in the news?
- Karnataka High Court imposes a ban within a 20-km radius of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam until a dam safety survey is conducted by the Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Dhanbad.
| About KRS Dam · Located in Mandya district, Karnataka, the KRS Dam is situated on the Kaveri River. · Constructed in 1932 under the leadership of Sir M. Visvesvaraya during the Wodeyar dynasty rule. |
Dams in India
- India ranks as the world’s third-largest dam-owning nation, following the US and China.
- Over 6000 completed and operational specified dams, with 143 under construction.
- Dam safety regulations are the responsibility of individual states.
Concerns Associated with Dams:
- While dams can mitigate regular floods, there is a risk of severe flooding in the event of dam failure.
- 293 large dams in India are over 100 years old, facing challenges of funds for repair and maintenance.
- Siltation reduces water storage capacity and harms various ecosystems.
Initiatives for Enhancing Dam Safety:
- Dam Safety Act, 2021: Focuses on surveillance, inspection, and maintenance of specified dams.
- National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS): Constituted under the Dam Safety Act by the Centre to formulate dam safety policies.
- Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phases-II: Co-financed by the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.
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