Question: Consider the following statements regarding Dam Safety Bill, 2019:
(1) This Bill applies to all specified dams with height more than 15 meter only
(2) There is a provision for imprisonment and penalty on obstruction or refusing to comply
(3) National Dam Safety Committee will be chaired by the chairperson, CWC
Of the above, choose correct statement/s:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
- The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Jal Shakti, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 29th July, 2019 and it was passed in the Lok Sabha on 2nd August, 2019.
- The Bill provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across the country.
- It also provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure the safety of such dams.
Applicability of the Bill:
The Bill applies to all specified dams in the country, with
- Height more than 15 meters or
- Height between 10 to 15 meters and subject to certain additional design and structural conditions.
- National Committee on Dam Safety will be constituted and it will be:
- Chaired by the Chairperson, Central Water Commission
- All other members will be nominated by the Central Government, and include:
- Up to 10 representative of the Central Government
- Up to seven representative of the State Government ( by rotation)
- Up to three Dam Safety Expert
- National Dam Safety Authority will be headed by an officer, not below the rank of additional secretary, he will be appointed by the Central Government.
Functions of the Authority:
- Implementing the policies formulated by the National Committee on Dam Safety
- Resolving issues between State Dam Safety organizations (SDSOs) or between a SDSO and any dam owner in that state
- Specifying regulations for inspection and investigation of dams.
- Providing accreditation to agencies involved in construction, design, and alteration of dams.
- At state level also State Dam Safety Organization and State Committee on Dam Safety will be constituted.
Bill provides for two types of offences:
- Obstructing a person in the discharge of his functions under the Bill
- Refusing to comply with directions issued under the Bill
- Offenders will be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year, or a fine, or both.
- If the offence leads to the loss of lives the imprisonment will raise to two years.
Obligations of dam owners have been set under the Bill and every owner has to provide a dam safety unit to inspect the dam:
- Before and after the monsoon session
- During and after every earthquake, flood, or any other calamity or sign of distress.
- Dam owners will prepare a comprehensive dam safety evaluation of each dam.
Links:
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ls-passes-dam-safety-bill/article28801022.ece
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/lok-sabha-passes-dam-safety-bill/articleshow/70502693.cms
http://www.prsindia.org/billtrack/dam-safety-bill-2019