Dam Safety Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

New Delhi : The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 that aims to provide a robust legal and institutional framework under Central and state governments for the safety of dams, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday amid protests by opposition and Shiv Sena members.

The Bill, which provides for the surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of specified dams for prevention of dam failure related disasters, was introduced by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal.

Biju Janata Dal's Bhartruhari Mahtab objected to the introduction of this Bill saying such matters come under the state purview and the Centre does not have legislative competence to bring such Bills. But his objections were rejected by Meghwal.

The Bill also provides for an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning. Once enacted, the Bill will apply to specified dams across all states.