The National Dam Safety Authority, which operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, conducted a review of dam safety practices in Jharkhand on September 8 and 9, 2026. The inspection focused on how well the state is following the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and what measures are in place to protect dams and the communities that depend on them.
A team led by senior officials from the NDSA met with Jharkhand’s Water Resources Department and representatives from agencies managing dams across the state, including those responsible for energy and drinking water supply.
What was reviewed and what needs to happen
The NDSA examined several key areas:
- The progress of Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluations (CDSE) across dams in the state. The Authority stressed the need to set up independent expert panels quickly and complete dam inspections on schedule.
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and Operation and Maintenance Manuals. The state must prepare these documents and upload them to the DHARMA Portal within set timeframes.
- The condition of Category-II dams, which require rehabilitation. Officials asked for a time-bound plan to repair these structures.
- The Nalkari Dam under the Energy Department was specifically instructed to establish a Dam Safety Unit and conduct seasonal inspections before and after monsoon.
The NDSA also highlighted that Jharkhand needs to strengthen how it manages dam safety at the institutional level. This includes making the State Dam Safety Organisation a standalone body rather than a committee, creating a separate budget line for dam safety work, and training personnel and dam owners on safety protocols. The state was also reminded that it must present annual reports to the state legislature as the law requires.
During field visits to Nalkari Dam and Latratu Dam, the inspection team noted deficiencies and issued instructions for corrections.
What this means for you
If you live downstream of a dam in Jharkhand or depend on a dam for water or electricity, this review means your state is being pushed to follow national safety standards more strictly. Better-maintained dams and updated emergency plans reduce the risk of dam failures that could affect your safety during heavy rains or emergencies. The focus on professional management and regular inspections should eventually lead to more reliable dam operations across the state.