January 3rd 2025.
The National Human Rights Commission has recently taken notice of the safety concerns surrounding the Hadagarh and Hirakud dams in Keonjhar and Sambalpur districts. This action was prompted by a complaint filed by the esteemed lawyer and human rights activist, Radhakant Tripathi, in December.
In light of this complaint, the apex rights body has directed the District Magistrates of Keonjhar and Sambalpur to take immediate action to ensure the safety of the residents living near these dams. They have been given a deadline of eight weeks to address the issues highlighted by Tripathi. The Hadagarh dam, located on the Salandi River, plays a crucial role in providing water to the residents of both Keonjhar and Bhadrak districts. However, over time, the dam has weakened and is in urgent need of repairs and restoration. Tripathi has also expressed concerns about the Hirakud dam, citing the urgent need for repairs, restoration, and sediment recovery.
In his complaint, Tripathi drew attention to the tragic floods in Kerala, which were attributed to the poor maintenance of dams. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by poorly maintained dams. He also pointed out the inadequate safety measures in many dams across India, despite the existence of the Dam Safety Act 2021 and the National Dam Safety Authority, putting the lives of the people at risk.
Tripathi further highlighted that by 2025, more than 1,000 dams in the country will be at least 50 years old. The aging of these dams has led to reduced water-holding capacity and shrinking premises, increasing the risk of floods. He also emphasized the dangers posed by dams in earthquake-prone areas, especially in the Himalayan basin. With over 6,000 dams in India, it is alarming to note that 80% of them are over 25 years old, with 234 dams being more than 100 years old.
In light of these pressing concerns, Tripathi urged for urgent measures to ensure the safety of dams, providing additional facts and data to support his claims. Responding to this, the NHRC has issued notices to the District Magistrates of Keonjhar and Sambalpur, directing them to take necessary actions within eight weeks. It is imperative that steps are taken to address these safety concerns and protect the lives of the people living near these dams.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
