Cabinet approves dam safety bill

The Cabinet has cleared a proposal for introduction of the Dam Safety Bill 2019 in Parliament. The decision will go a long way in meeting the requirements of having uniform dam safety procedures for specified dams in the country. It will impact more than 5,600 dams which will now be under the ambit of Uniform Dam Safety Regulations.

New Delhi:The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for introduction of the Dam Safety Bill 2019, in Parliament which will help the states and union territories to adopt uniform safety procedures to ensure safety of reservoirs.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javdekar told reporters that the Dam Safety Bill, 2019, will bring more than 5,600 dams under the ambit of dam safety regulations.

The bill addresses all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, Emergency Action Plan, comprehensive dam safety review, adequate repair and maintennace funds for dam safety, instrumentation and safety manuals.

Also, it entails the creation of a National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, State committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations.

The Dam Safety Bill will provide the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country. The bill lays onus of dam safety ont he dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and ommission of certain acts.

Also, read:Jalan panel suggests RBI for periodic transfer of surplus capital: Sources