Sikkim Establishes State Committee on Dam Safety

The Government of Sikkim, through Notification No. 81/HOME/2025 issued by its Home Department on September 1, 2025, formally constituted the State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS). This significant step was taken in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 11 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 (No. 41 of 2021), a central legislation aimed at ensuring the safety of dams across the country. The notification, which came into force upon its publication in the Sikkim Government Gazette on September 8, 2025, established a dedicated body to oversee dam safety within the state.

The newly formed SCDS comprises a diverse group of officials and experts, reflecting a multi-disciplinary approach to dam safety. The Principal Chief Engineer-cum-Secretary of the Power Department was designated as the Chairman-Ex Officio. Other key members include the Chief Engineer of the Water Resource Department, the Chief Engineer of the Rural Development Department, the Chief Conservator of Forest from the Forest and Environment Department, and the Director of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority. Representation from central bodies was also included, with the Director (Investigation Circle) of the Central Water Commission and a Representative of the Central Electricity Authority (Central Electricity Commission) joining as members. Further expertise was drawn from the Director of the Mines and Geology Department and experts in hydrology and dam designs from the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Majhitar, Rangpo. The Superintending Engineer Electrical of the Power Department was appointed as the Member Secretary.

The terms of reference for the State Committee on Dam Safety were clearly outlined, focusing on proactive measures to prevent dam-related disasters. The primary responsibility of the committee was defined as preventing dam failure related disasters as per the guidelines, standards, and other directions on dam safety issued by the Authority under the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. The legislation provided: “…To prevent dam failure related disasters as per the guidelines, standards and other directions on dam safety issued by the Authority under the provision of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.” Additionally, the committee was mandated to meet as prescribed in the Dam Safety Act, 2021, ensuring regular oversight and decision-making. The Power Department, Government of Sikkim, was designated as the Nodal Department responsible for the implementation and administration of the Dam Safety Act, 2021, within the state. This notification superseded previous Notification No. 85/Home/2022, dated August 17, 2022, indicating an update or refinement of the state's dam safety framework.

This notification reflects the legislative intent to operationalize the Dam Safety Act, 2021, at the state level, thereby strengthening the institutional framework for dam safety management in Sikkim. The policy rationale behind establishing such a committee is rooted in the critical importance of safeguarding dams, which are vital infrastructure assets, and mitigating the potentially catastrophic risks associated with their failure. The Dam Safety Act, 2021, itself was enacted to provide for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams to prevent dam failure-related disasters and to provide for an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning. By constituting the SCDS, the state government addressed the statutory requirement of the central Act, filling the gap for a dedicated state-level body with defined composition and functions. This move aims to enhance the state's capacity to adhere to national guidelines and standards for dam safety, ensuring a more robust and coordinated approach to the surveillance and maintenance of dams within its jurisdiction. The designation of the Power Department as the nodal agency further streamlines the enforcement mechanisms, providing a clear point of accountability for the administration of the Act in Sikkim.

Keywords: Dam Safety Act 2021, State Committee on Dam Safety, Sikkim, dam failure prevention, Power Department, Home Department, R. Telang, dam safety regulations, infrastructure safety Geo Tags: India, Sikkim District: Not Applicable