Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project approved by Union Cabinet

On October 29, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the Phase II and Phase III Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). These two phases are to be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank and AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank).

Key Highlights

The overall cost of the project is Rs 10,211 crores. It is to be implemented in 10 years duration. The external funding of the project is Rs 7,000 crores. The rest of Rs 3,211 crores is to come from the Implementing agencies. The Government of India is to contribute Rs 1.024 crores.

DRIP Phase II and Phase III

These phases aim to improve safety and performance of dams. Also, it aims to strengthen dam safety institutional setup. Also, the project will explore alternative incidental means to generate incidental revenue at selected dams. The revenue will then be used for sustainable operation and maintenance of the dams.

Outcomes of the project

The project aims to rehabilitate 736 dams in India

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project

The project originally aimed to improve 223 dams in India. Later the count was increased. More than 80% of dams in India are 25 years old. There are 209 dams that are over 100 years old. They were built in the era when design practices and safety considerations were below current norms. Several of these dams are in need of structural safety.

The project is being implemented by the Central Dam Safety Organization of Central Water Commission.

India ranks third after China and USA in number of large dams. There are 5,264 large dams in India and 437 are under construction.

SHAIS: Seismic Hazard Information System was developed to simplify procedures and analysis. Also, DHARMA (Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application) was developed to capture authentic data.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020