7-Apr-2022: Repair and Rehabilitation of Dams

Govt. of India has initiated the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & III scheme with the objective to improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams in the country with emphasis on institutional strengthening. This Scheme has 19 States and three central agencies on board. The budget outlay is Rs. 10,211 Crore with rehabilitation provision of 736 dams. Out of the total approved cost of DRIP, Phase-II & III, Rs. 7,000 Crore is an external loan and Rs. 3,211 Crore would be borne by the respective participating States and the three Central agencies. Each Phase has external assistance of US$ 500 million. Phase II of the Scheme has co-financing provision, wherein external assistance amounting to US$ 500 million is being equally shared by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

DRIP, Phase-II & III Scheme is of 10 years duration. The scheme will be implemented in two Phases, each of six years duration with two years overlapping. The DRIP Phase II Scheme has been declared effective by the World Bank in October 2021.

Under DRIP Phase II, Loan Signing with World Bank (US$ 250 M) was held in August, 2021 with 10 States and Central Water Commission. Regarding external funding for DRIP Phase III, it will be explored at the time of initiation of Phase III for which the World Bank has already made provisions, in principle, in its plan and estimates of the scheme for DRIP as a whole.

Under this scheme, all the proposed dams shall be comprehensively inspected/audited by a Group of Dam Safety Experts and their recommendations will be the basis for framing the rehabilitation plans.

Central Water Commission monitors live storage status of 140 reservoirs of the country on weekly basis and issues weekly bulletin. The total live storage capacity of these 140 reservoirs is 175.957 BCM, which is about 68.25% of the live storage capacity of 257.812 BCM estimated to have been created in the country. Current status of live storage (as on 24.03.2022) is as under:

28-Mar-2022: Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project 

Under the World Bank funded Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase-I programme implemented during April 2012 to March 2021, 223 existing large dams located in 7 States have been comprehensively audited and rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 2,567 crore.

After completion of DRIP Phase- I programme, Government of India has now taken up DRIP Phase-II & III. The scheme envisages rehabilitation and safety improvement of 736 dams located in 19 States, with a budget outlay of Rs 10,211 crore. The scheme is of 10 years duration. DRIP Phase-II has become operational from 12th October 2021, and is being co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

Under DRIP Phase-II & III, Govt. of Odisha has proposed rehabilitation of 36 dams at an estimated cost of Rs. 933 crore.

Apart from Rs. 72.5 Crore for dam rehabilitation works under DRIP Phase-II, Rs. 17.54 Crore has been kept for the institutional strengthening & project management component including advance flood forecasting & reservoir operation, and balance Rs. 9.96 Crore for contingencies and inclusion of additional dams.

Against the approved outlay of Rs. 5,107 crore for DRIP Phase-II, an expenditure of Rs. 118.00 crore has been incurred by the various States/Implementing agencies till December 2021, including Rs. 2.7 crore by the Govt. of Odisha, on various preparatory activities under the scheme.

24-Mar-2022: Old Dams

Central Water Commission maintains a database of large dams in the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD). As per NRLD 2019, total number of large dams in the country is 5,745 out of which, 5,334 dams are completed and 411 dams are under construction.

As per NRLD 2019, there are 1,157 number of operational large dams in the country which are between 50 to 150 years old. However, no such dam has been reported by the State Governments or other dam owners to be in obsolete condition or in a condition which may threaten water scarcity. The life of a dam is normally till such time it performs its intended functions without jeopardizing the safety of people living in its vicinity.

In order to improve the safety and operational performance of select existing dams in the country, Government of India is implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) with external funding. Under the World Bank funded DRIP Phase-I programme, which was implemented during April 2012 to March 2021, 223 existing dams located in 7 States have been comprehensively audited and rehabilitated at a cost of Rs. 2,567 crore.

After completion of DRIP Phase- I programme, Government of India has now taken up DRIP Phase-II & III. The scheme envisages rehabilitation and safety improvement of 736 dams located in 19 States, with a budget outlay of Rs 10,211 crore. The scheme is of 10 years duration. DRIP Phase-II has become operational from 12th October 2021, and is being co-financed by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank.

Further, Union Government has recently enacted the Dam Safety Act, 2021 for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of the specified dams for prevention of dam failure related disasters. As per this Act, dam owners have to earmark sufficient and specific funds for maintenance and repairs of the specified dam and are required to undertake dam safety related inspections and activities as per the schedule prescribed in the Act.

5-Aug-2021: Renovation of Old Dams

Central Water Commission (CWC) compiles and maintains  National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) as per input/information provided by dam owners. Latest edition of NRLD was published in June 2019. As per NRLD-2019, there are 227 large dams in the country, which are more than 100 years old (constructed on/before 1921).

Government of India with financial assistance from the World Bank implemented Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) during April 2012 to March 2021, with rehabilitation provision of 223 dams located in 7 States (namely Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand). The objective of this Scheme was to improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams along with institutional strengthening of participating States/agencies. The original financial outlay was Rs.3466 Cr, with final completion cost of Rs.2567 Cr.

Ministry of Jal Shakti has again initiated DRIP Phase II and Phase III by inviting proposals from the States. This new Scheme has nineteen (19) States, and three Central Agencies on board. The budget outlay is Rs.10,211 Cr (Phase II: Rs.5107 Cr; Phase III: Rs.5104 Cr) with rehabilitation provision of 736 dams. The Phase II of DRIP is being co-financed by World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), whereas funding for Phase III will be triggered at later stage. The Scheme is of 10 years duration, proposed to be implemented in two Phases, each of six year duration with two years overlap. Each Phase has external assistance of US$500 Million. The Union Cabinet has approved the Scheme on October 29, 2020.

DRIP and DRIP Phase II & Phase III are State Sector Schemes with Central component, with back to back loan arrangement. DRIP had no central grant. In DRIP Phase II & Phase III, Special Category States i.e. Manipur, Meghalaya and Uttarakhand are getting 90% of loan amount as Central Grant from Government of India. The Scheme is planned for operationalization in October/November 2021.

4-Aug-2021: Government Signs US $ 250 Million Loan Agreement For Second Phase of Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP)

In order to enhance water security in the country and support sustainable development, the Government of India today signed a $250 million loan agreement with World Bank for the Second Phase of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP Phase II) to make existing dams and communities safe and resilient across India. The Ministry of Jal Shakti, ten (10) States namely Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu and the Central Water Commission attended the loan signing ceremony. The balanced US$250 million external funding from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is under consideration.

This DRIP Phase II is the first phase of externally aided DRIP Phase II and Phase III, approved by Government of India in October 2020. The Scheme has the participation of nineteen (19) States and three (3) Central Agencies. The Budget Outlay for both Phases is Rs 10,211 Cr for an implementation period of ten (10) years. The Scheme will be implemented in two Phases, each of six years’ duration, with two years’ overlap.

The agreement was signed by Sh. Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of India; Ministry of Jal Shakti was represented by Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Additional Secretary and Junaid Ahmad, Country Director, India on behalf of the World Bank as well as official representatives of concerned States.

This new Scheme will strengthen dam safety initiatives taken by Government of India through physical rehabilitation of selected dams by addressing various concerns to improve safety and operational performance, institutional strengthening in various ways, incidental revenue generation for sustainable operation & maintenance of dams etc. The Scheme is designed to infuse global know-how, innovative technologies in dam safety. Another major innovation envisaged under the project, that is likely to transform dam safety management in the country, is the introduction of a risk-based approach to dam asset management that will help to effectively allocate financial resources towards priority dam safety needs. Also, Scheme implementation will equip the Indian dam owners to gear up their human resources to comprehensively handle many important activities envisaged in proposed Dam Safety Legislation.

The programme will enable states and dam owners to extend these safety protocols and activities beyond the selected dams to all other dams within their jurisdiction, overall enhancing the culture of dam safety in the country. This programme complements the provisions in the Dam Safety Bill 2019, by ensuring capacity building of the dam owners as well as the proposed regulators, as well as creating necessary protocols for dam safety. It is likely to generate employment opportunities equivalent to approximately 10,00,000 person days for unskilled workers, and 2,50,000 person days for working professionals.

India ranks third globally after China and the United States of America, with 5334 large dams in operation. In addition, about 411 dams are under construction at present. There are also several thousand smaller dams. These dams are vital for ensuring the water security of the Country. Indian dams and reservoirs play an important role in the economic and agricultural growth of our country by storing approximately 300 billion cubic meter of water annually.

These dams present a major responsibility in terms of asset management and safety. Due to deferred maintenance and other health issues, these dams have associated risks in case of failure. The consequences of dam failure can be catastrophic, in terms of loss of human life and property, and damage to ecology.

The first phase of the DRIP programme, which covered 223 dams in 7 states, improved the safety and operational performance of selected dams, along with institutional strengthening through a system wide management approach, has been recently closed in March 2021.

In order to carry forward the momentum gained through ongoing DRIP, and expand it vertically and horizontally, the new Scheme, DRIP Phase II, co-financed by World Bank (WB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) with US$250 million each, covers large dams in 19 states of the country.

This Scheme is especially focused on mitigating the risks of dam failure and ensuring safety of people, riverine ecology and property located downstream of these selected dams, through structural as well as non-structural measures like physical rehabilitation, preparation of Operation and Maintenance Manuals, Emergency Action Plans, Early Warning System and various other measures.

Life of these selected reservoirs will be extended further by addressing health and safety concerns of these selected dams; in turn, these assets will provide planned benefits efficiently for longer period to public at large in terms of various direct benefits like irrigation, drinking water, hydel power, flood control etc.

In addition to physical rehabilitation, as mentioned before, equal emphasis has been given for capacity building of dam owners in order to ensure availability of trained and skilled manpower for better operation of dams during all seasons in a year. Customized training programmes for various technical and managerial aspects will assist dam owners to create a pool of knowledge to deal with matters of dam safety confidently and scientifically.

In view of the size of India’s dam portfolio and challenges in operating and maintaining these existing assets, Government of India is making all out efforts to ensure the availability of a pool of dam safety professionals across the country. The provision for partnerships with premier Academic Institutions like IISc and IITs and capacity building of five (5) Central Agencies along with dam owners will strengthen the theme “AtmaNirbhar Bharat”. It will ensure long term sustainability of required knowledge and human resources to assist our dam owners. India will also position herself as a knowledge leader on dam safety, particularly in South and South East Asia.

19-Jul-2021: Funds Under DRIP Scheme

Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) is a State sector scheme formulated to  bridge the funding gap and provide urgent finance to States for repair and maintenance of Dams. The scheme closed on 31st March, 2021. It facilitated loans from World Bank to participating states when they agreed to terms and conditions of the lending agency. Andhra Pradesh did not choose to be a part of it.

Next phase of DRIP i.e. DRIP Phase – II & III approved by Cabinet, is at an advanced preparatory stage. Government of Andhra Pradesh has expressed willingness to be a part of DRIP Phase -II & III and submitted an estimate for 667 crore to rehabilitate 31 dams. However, they are yet to fulfill Project Readiness Criteria of World Bank to merit sanction and disbursement of loan.

12-Feb-2021: Effects of Sedimentation of Dams

Water is a state subject and water resources projects are planned, executed and maintained by respective State Governments from their own resources and as per their requirements and priorities. The role of the Central Government is limited to supplement the efforts of the State Governments by providing technical guidance and central assistance through its various schemes, if specifically sought by the State Government. In the ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP), there is a need-based provision for partner agencies to restore the lost capacity of few selected dams.

Under DRIP, Central Water Commission (CWC) has published “Handbook for Assessing and Managing Reservoir Sedimentation” and recommends dam owners to follow this handbook. Further, Guidelines for preparation of operation and Maintenance Manual for Dams has also been published. Also162 Nos. of Operation and Maintenance Manual have been prepared under ongoing DRIP, it includes correct method and sequence of opening and closing gates, including low level bottom outlets for flushing the sediment out from reservoirs.

Need based provision for restoration of lost capacity of reservoirs have been kept in the proposed DRIP Phases II & III also. Implementation agencies may utilize this opportunity for restoration of reservoir capacities of the selected dams.

CWC carries out Reservoir Sedimentation Studies using Hydro graphic Survey and Remote Sensing Technique. CWC also collects, collates and compiles the sedimentation data from the project authorities/State Government. The collected data are collated, analyzed and compiled as “Compendium on Siltation of reservoirs in India”. Earlier 3 editions of the compendium have been published in years 1991, 2001 and2015. The 4th edition (the recent one) has been published in 2020 incorporating information of 369reservoirs. In the Compendium the trends/rates of siltation in various Dams of different regions of the country has been duly analyzed. The details of the compendium is available on CWC Website athttp://cwc.gov.in/other-publications-cwc

4-Feb-2021: Phase II and III of DRIP

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved on October 29, 2020 the Phase II and Phase III of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) to improve safety and operational performance of selected dams across the country. The Scheme envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 736 dams located in 19 States (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal ). The Project will receive loans, both from World Bank (WB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), for disbursal among States and three central agencies (Central Water Commission, Damodar Valley Corporation & Bhakra Beas Management Board) based on the projected cost of rehabilitation.

It is a State Sector Scheme with Central component. The duration of the scheme is of 10 years, to be implemented in two Phases i.e. Phase-II and Phase-III, each of six years duration with an overlap of two years. The total cost of the Project is Rs.10,211 Cr. Out of this cost, Rs.7000 Cr. is an external loan and Rs.3211 Cr. would be borne by the respective participating States and Central agencies.

The scheme has provision for preparation of Operation and Maintenance Manual (O&M) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for all selected dams under DRIP Phases II & III. O&M Manual will cover the improvement/modernization aspect of operational performance of the dam. EAP shall cover dam break analysis, inundation maps and identification of key personnel and response arrangements etc. to enhance resilience against the possible negative impacts.

29-Oct-2020: Cabinet approves Externally Aided Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project – Phase II and Phase III

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & Phase III with the financial assistance of the World Bank (WB), and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to improve the safety and operational performance of selected dams across the whole country, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach.

The project cost is Rs 10,211 crore.  The Project will be implemented over a period of 10 years duration in two Phases, each of six years duration with two years overlapping from April, 2021 to March, 2031. The share of external funding is Rs 7,000 crore of the total project cost, and balance Rs 3,211 crore is to be borne by the concerned Implementing Agencies (IAs). The contribution of Central Government is Rs 1,024 crore as loan liability and Rs 285 crore as counter-part funding for Central Component.

DRIP Phase II & Phase III envisages the following objectives:-

1. To improve the safety and performance of selected existing dams and associated appurtenances in a sustainable manner.
2. To strengthen the dam safety institutional setup in participating states as well as at central level, and
3. To explore the alternative incidental means a few of selected dams to generate the incidental revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams

To achieve the above objectives, DRIP Phase II & Phase III has following components:

1. Rehabilitation and improvement of dams and associated appurtenances,
2. Dam safety institutional strengthening in participating States and Central agencies,
3. Exploration of alternative incidental means a few of selected dams to generate the incidental revenue for sustainable operation and maintenance of dams, and
4. Project management.

The Scheme envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 736 existing dams located across the country.

8-Mar-2019: The Government of India, the World Bank and the representatives of Five States sign the Loan Agreement for Additional Financing of $137 Million for the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP)

The World Bank, the Government of India and representatives of 5 States of Government of India and Implementing Agencies signed here in New Delhi the Loan Agreement for Additional Financing of $137 Million for the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) that will help rehabilitate and modernize over 220 selected large dams in the States of Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.

In 2010, the Bank’s Board approved $350 million to finance the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project to improve the safety and sustainable performance of over 220 selected dams in India. This Ongoing Project has so far benefitted 25 Million Primary Beneficiaries from urban and rural communities providing them water and livelihood opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance said that Fostering rapid and sustained agricultural growth is a key priority for the Government of India.  Due to erratic rainfall patterns, dams play a key role in storing water for irrigation and other uses. He further said that this Project will help improve safety and operational performance of large and small dams in India leading to sustained rural development.

The Loan Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India; and Mr. Junaid Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India, on behalf of the World Bank, and the representatives from the State Governments of Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand.

The additional funding of $137 million signed today will be used for construction of an additional spillway for Hirakud Dam in Odisha State as well as continue to help in rehabilitation and improvement of other dams including strengthening the institutional, legal and technical framework for dam safety assurance within the Government of India and in the participating States.

Mr. Junaid Ahmad, Country Director World Bank said that Infrastructure management often falls prey to a costly ‘build-decay-rebuild’ cycle.  He further said that breaking this pattern by ensuring that dams are well managed, properly maintained and efficiently operated is essential.  He concluded that this will ensure the welfare and safety of communities and sustain economic growth.  DRIP is delivering these important objectives.

India is home to more than 5200 large dams and another 400 that are under construction having a total storage capacity of more than 300 billion cubic meters. Rainfall, which occurs mainly in intense and unpredictable downpours within short monsoon seasons, is of high temporal and spatial variability and does not meet year-round irrigation and other water demands. Considering this, storage of water is essential for India. The dams play a key role in fostering rapid and sustained agricultural and rural growth and development – a key priority for the Government of India since independence.

These dams benefit millions of people who rely on their waters for livelihood, and therefore need to be strengthened with more investment in their operations and maintenance. Flood protection measures in many dams need to be supported as well, as their failure could pose serious risks to downstream communities.

The World Bank has so far invested $280 million in the Project that acts as a “lighthouse”, showcasing how best to make dams fully operational and safe in a technically sound and sustainable manner.

In addition to the 25 Million Primary Beneficiaries from both urban and rural communities who are directly dependent on the project for their water supply and livelihood, the project will benefit downstream communities at risk due to flooding.

The $137 Million Loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 3-year grace period, and a final maturity of 16 years.

19-Sep-2018: Cabinet approves Revised Cost Estimate of Dam rehabilitation and Improvement Project

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Revised Cost Estimate of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) at the revised cost of Rs 3466 crore with the financial assistance of the World Bank to improve safety and operational performance of 198 Dams, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach.  Out of Rs.3,466 crore, Rs.2,628 crore will be funded by the World Bank and Rs.747 crore will be funded by DRIP States / Implementing Agencies (IAs) and balance Rs.91 crore to be funded by Central Water Commission (CWC).

 The CCEA also gave its ex-post facto approval for two-year time extension from 1st July, 2018 to 30th  June, 2020.

Impact: The project will improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and mitigate risks to ensure safety of downstream population and property.  The primary beneficiaries are both urban and rural communities dependent on reservoir and downstream communities, who are prone to risk associated with dam failure or operational failure.  Further, through institutional strengthening component, effectiveness of Dam Safety Organisations will be increased to take the lead to make dams safe from structural and operational point of view through capacity building of staff and officials.

Details:

DRIP envisages following objectives: -

a)   Component-I: - Rehabilitation of Dam and its Appurtenant Structures,

b)   Component-II: - Institutional Strengthening and

c)   Component-Ill: - Project Management.

The Scheme envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 198 existing dam projects located in seven states of India namely, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jharkhand (Damodar Valley Corporation) and Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited).

Numbers of dams with initial and revised cost submitted by Implementing Agencies are as follows: -

Background: Originally, the total cost of DRIP was Rs. 2100 Crore with State component of Rs. 1968 Crore and Central Component of Rs. 132 Crore. Initially the project was a six-year Project which commenced on 18th April, 2012 with a scheduled closing on 30th June, 2018. The Project implementation has been granted in-principle approval for two years extension in the year 2017 by Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and the World Bank with a revised closure date of the project by 30th June 2020.

7-Jun-2018: EFC approves revised cost estimate of DRIP for Rs. 3466 crore and extends time period for conclusion till June, 2020

A meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, Department of Expenditure, was held this week to consider the proposal of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation for revised cost estimate of World Bank funded Dam Rehabilitation & Improvement Project (DRIP). The EFC approved revised cost estimate of DRIP for Rs. 3466 Crore and extended time period for conclusion of this project till June, 2020.

DRIP is a state sector scheme with central component to improve safety and operational performance of selected dams, along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach. The total original cost of DRIP was Rs. 2100 Crore with State component of Rs. 1968 Crore and Central Component of Rs. 132 Crore. The EFC approval was given to DRIP in May 2011 and Cabinet approval in November 2011. The Scheme commenced in April 2012 and was originally scheduled for six years with closure in June 2018.

The participating States/Agencies in the DRIP are Damodar Valley Corporation, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited and Central Water Commission.

The meeting was attended by officials of Ministry of Power, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, NITI Aayog, Ministry of Environment and Forest along with Secretary and other senior officials of Ministry of Water Resources and Chairman and officers of Central Water Commission.