From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project, Godavari River
Mains level: Issue of Dam Safety in India
In the news
- The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) has been under scrutiny following concerns over the sinking of piers at the Medigadda barrage.
- To address these issues, National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) will conduct a thorough examination of the project.
What is Kaleshwaram Project?
Details | |
Location | Kaleshwaram village, Telangana, India
Earlier called as Pranahita-Chevella Lift Irrigation Project |
Confluence Point | Pranhita-Godavari River confluence |
Project Size | Claimed to be the world’s largest multi-stage and multi-purpose lift irrigation project |
Key Features | Series of underground and surface water pumping stations, stretching over 300 km |
Purpose | Supply water to 45 lakh acres in Telangana |
Commencement | Started in 2016, utilizing approximately 283 TMC of water from the Godavari River |
Components | Divided into 7 links and 28 packages through 13 districts
Aims to source a total of 240 TMC of water Construction of barrage at Medigadda, with water reverse-pumped into the Godavari River |
Major Pumping Facilities | Ramadugu (largest), Medaram, Annaram, and Sundilla |
About Godavari River
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About National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): Ensuring Dam Safety in India
The NDSA plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety standards of dams across the country.
- Constitutional Basis: Although water management falls under the State List, the Union government has the authority to enact laws related to dam safety under Article 246 of the Constitution. (Parliament holds the power to make laws for any part of India not included within a State, irrespective of whether the subject falls under the State List.)
- Dam Safety Act, 2021: Parliament has passed the Dam Safety Act to establish an institutional mechanism for ensuring dam safety in India.
Objectives and Functions
- Institutional Mechanism: The NDSA is tasked with maintaining standards for dam safety, preventing dam-related disasters, and addressing interstate concerns regarding dams.
- Leadership Structure: The authority is headed by a chairman and supported by five members with expertise in various domains, including policy and research, technical aspects, regulation, disaster management, resilience, and administration and finance.
- Surveillance and Inspection: Special provisions are in place for the surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of all large dams in the country to prevent dam failure-related disasters.
- Penal Provisions: The Dam Safety Act includes penal provisions and a list of offenses along with corresponding penalties to ensure compliance.
Organizational Setup
- Headquarters: The headquarters of the NDSA is located in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- Regional Offices: The authority is supported by four regional offices strategically positioned across the country to facilitate efficient oversight and management of dam safety.
Try this PYQ from CSP 2015:
Q.Consider the following rivers:
- Vamsadhara
- Indravati
- Pranahita
- Pennar
Which of the rivers given above are the tributaries of Godavari?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2 and 3 only
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