SC Directs NDSA to Resolve Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute

Why in the news?

The Supreme Court has instructed the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to address Tamil Nadu’s concerns over Kerala’s maintenance of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam, highlighting dam safety, inter-state water disputes, and regulatory oversight in India.

SC Directs NDSA to Resolve Mullaperiyar Dam Dispute

Supreme Court’s Directive:

  • The Supreme Court has instructed a supervisory committee led by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to resolve concerns regarding the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.
  • The dispute involves Tamil Nadu and Kerala, with Tamil Nadu raising concerns over Kerala’s maintenance of the dam.
  • The directive highlights the need for effective inter-state cooperation on dam safety.

Significance of NDSA’s Role

  • The NDSA ensures the structural integrity of dams and promotes safe construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • It acts as a dispute resolution body between State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) and dam owners.
  • Conducts awareness programs and strengthens emergency response mechanisms for dam-related disasters.
  • The Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical role of NDSA in ensuring public safety and resolving inter-state water disputes.

Role and Structure of NDSA:

  • The NDSA was established under the National Dam Safety Act, 2021, to regulate and oversee dam safety in India.
  • Headquartered in New Delhi, the authority is led by a chairman and operates through five specialized wings, focusing on:
  • Policy formulation
  • Technical oversight
  • Regulation and compliance
  • Disaster resilience strategies
  • Administrative functions