Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur

Raipur, Dec 29: Following safety breaches in two dams in Chhattisgarh, the Centre has issued a show-cause notice to the state government for failing to comply with the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

The latest notice, served by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), pertains to the breach of the Rajadera dam in Dhamtari district on November 2. The incident triggered serious concerns over public safety after a large volume of stored water gushed out, flooding several villages and damaging standing paddy crops.

According to officials, the notice seeks an explanation from the state government within 30 days, failing which legal action will be initiated under Sections 41 and 42 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.

This comes close on the heels of another dam-related tragedy in the state. On September 2, a breach at the Luti Tank led to the death of five people, with around a dozen reported missing, besides extensive damage to property and livestock. Following that incident, the NDSA had flagged serious concerns over systemic non-compliance with dam safety norms in the state.

During a pre-monsoon inspection of the Rajadera dam, the NDSA had identified multiple operational and structural deficiencies and directed the authorities to take immediate corrective measures. Inspectors reported deformation and instability in both upstream and downstream areas, unchecked vegetation growth and animal burrows on embankment slopes, cracks on the dam crest, deteriorated slope protection, and problems related to drainage and overall structural integrity.

The notice pointed out that despite clear warning signs and documented deficiencies, no effective remedial action was taken before the onset of the monsoon, raising questions over administrative accountability and dam safety governance in the state.