The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) organized a One-day Community Awareness Programme on Dam Safety at the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Project in Himachal Pradesh on 19 May 2026 with the objective of strengthening public awareness, disaster preparedness and coordination among stakeholders associated with dam safety and emergency response.

Shri Saurabh Agrawal, Member (Administration & Finance), NDSA, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the importance of preparedness, awareness and coordinated response in ensuring dam safety. Recalling his association with INS Sutlej during the early years of his Naval career and his present role in dam safety governance on the Sutlej river system, he described the occasion as personally meaningful and emphasized that informed and prepared communities are critical for minimizing disaster risks and strengthening emergency response mechanisms.

Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Kinnaur and Shri Rajeev Kapoor, Head of Project, Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Project, also addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of community participation, institutional coordination and disaster preparedness in ensuring public safety.

During the programme, Shri Mohammad Zishan, Deputy Director, NDSA, delivered a detailed presentation on the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and highlighted the importance of community awareness programmes in strengthening dam safety governance and disaster preparedness mechanisms.

The programme witnessed active participation from various organizations associated with disaster management and dam safety including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Geological Survey of India (GSI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Gujarat State Dam Safety Organization (GSDSO), Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVNL), district administration and officials of the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station. Heads and residents of eight downstream villages also participated enthusiastically in the programme. More than 250 participants attended the event.

Technical presentations were also delivered by various central agencies and dam-owning organizations on important topics related to dam safety and community resilience. Key themes included Early Warning Systems, Decision Support Systems, use of Satellite and GIS technologies in dam safety management, emergency response preparedness and weather forecasting mechanisms.

The programme concluded with an awareness march by school children, a plantation drive promoting environmental awareness and community participation and a Nukkad Natak conveying important messages on dam safety and disaster preparedness to the local community.

NDSA continues to organize such awareness initiatives across the country to strengthen dam safety culture and enhance preparedness among downstream communities.

 

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