Why in news?
The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) has issued a show‑cause notice to the Narmada Valley Development Authority over persistent leakage and structural safety issues at the Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh. Officials have been asked why the dam is still categorised as having only “minor deficiencies” despite repeated reports of serious leaks.
Background
Bargi Dam is a major multipurpose dam built across the Narmada River as part of the Narmada Valley Development Project. Commissioned in the late 1980s, it supplies irrigation water, drinking water and hydropower to large parts of Madhya Pradesh. Under the Dam Safety Act 2021, all dams are subject to regular inspections and classification based on the severity of any defects.
Issues raised by the NDSA
- Persistent leakage: Inspection reports since 2018 have recorded water seeping through the masonry spillway gallery. Engineers warned that prolonged leakage could weaken the structure if not repaired promptly.
- Inadequate instrumentation: The dam lacks sufficient instruments to monitor structural behaviour and detect internal stress or movement. Without proper data, authorities cannot assess its health accurately.
- Poor security: Site inspections highlighted weak security arrangements, raising concerns about unauthorised access to sensitive areas of the dam.
- Faulty classification: Despite the above issues, the dam was classified as having only minor deficiencies. NDSA’s notice questions this classification and stresses that serious defects must be addressed under the Dam Safety Act.
Significance
- Public safety: Bargi Dam holds back billions of cubic metres of water. Any structural failure could lead to catastrophic flooding and loss of life downstream.
- Regulatory accountability: The Dam Safety Act empowers NDSA to enforce standards. Its intervention underscores the need for compliance and transparency by state authorities.
- Importance of maintenance: The episode highlights that building dams is not enough; continuous monitoring and timely repairs are essential to safeguard infrastructure and communities.
Conclusion
The NDSA’s show‑cause notice serves as a warning that ignoring leakage and safety lapses at large dams can have grave consequences. By addressing the deficiencies at Bargi Dam, authorities can avert potential disasters and set a precedent for rigorous dam management across India.
Source: Down To Earth
