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UPSC Notes

Dam Safety and Management

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

UPSC assesses knowledge of critical infrastructure management, disaster preparedness, environmental challenges like siltation, and the legislative measures taken to ensure public safety and resource longevity.

Dam safety is a critical aspect of infrastructure management and disaster prevention, involving the structural integrity, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability of large water reservoirs. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, provides a comprehensive legal framework for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams across India.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Siltation Impact

Excessive siltation has reduced Tungabhadra dam's storage capacity from 133 tmc ft to about 106 tmc ft.

Infrastructure Upgrade

High-grade steel gates installed at Tungabhadra dam at ₹51 crore, expected to last 60 years, emphasizing preventive maintenance.

Central Initiatives

Union government plans to remove silt from reservoirs nationwide and expedite dam rehabilitation projects in 19 States.

Dam Safety Act, 2021

Provides a legal framework for ensuring the safety of dams, focusing on prevention over reparation.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Polity & Governance

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Union Jal Shakti MinistryMonitors
State GovernmentsImplements
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Statement-based questions

Prelims angle: Institutional roles and functions

Quick revision

  • Dam Safety Act, 2021: Key provisions and institutional structure.
  • Causes of dam degradation: Siltation, aging, extreme weather.
  • Economic and environmental impacts of reduced reservoir capacity.
  • Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) objectives.
  • Importance of regular inspection and maintenance.

High-confidence PYQs

2023Statement-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2022Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2021Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Bisphenol A (BPA) , a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2020Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). ...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2019Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participati...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2018Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2016Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2...

Environment & EcologyOpen question
2014Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservati...

Environment & EcologyOpen question

Topic timeline

Indian Polity & Governance
Prelims 2014· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. Animal Welfare Board of India is established under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. National Tiger Conservati...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)’? 1. The river basin is the unit of planning and management. 2...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? 1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPC...

Open question
Prelims 2019· Statement-based questions, Conceptual understanding

Consider the following statements : The Environment Protection Act, 1986 empowers the Government of India to 1. state the requirement of public participati...

Open question
Prelims 2020· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: 1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). ...

Open question
Prelims 2021· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

Bisphenol A (BPA) , a cause of concern, is a structural/key component in the manufacture of which of the following kinds of plastics?

Open question
Prelims 2022· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Institutional roles and functions

Consider the following statements : 1. In India, the Biodiversity Management committees are key to the realization of the objectives of Nagoya Protocol. 2...

Open question

Sharing waters: The Hindu Editorial on the tungabhadra model

29 Jun 2026 · Dam safety is paramount for India's water infrastructure, addressing issues like siltation-induced capacity loss and structural integrity. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, provides a legal framework, while government initiatives focus on rehabilitation and preventive maintenance to avert disastrous consequences.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

Dam Safety and Management

Often confused with

Inter-State Water Disputes and Cooperation

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Dam Safety and Management in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer
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