Dam Safety Act challenged in HC

In news

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has moved the Madras High Court challenging the Dam Safety Act 2021.

Why ?

The Act would completely reduce the power of the states over the control of dams located within their territory.

Features of the Act

• The Act has the effect of taking control over all major dams in the State.
  
• The Union government is taking steps to constitute National Committee on Dam Safety and National Dam Safety Authority, whereupon the States will be completely denuded with the control over dams located inside and outside the States covered under the Act.
  
• The Act not only shifted control over the dam to the Union but also usurped control over water supply through the dams within the State of Tamil Nadu for various purposes.
  
• The Supreme Court had clearly held that water is the basic need for survival and is a part of the right to life under Article 21.
• Thus, the impugned Act has the effect of impinging upon the right to survival and existence and therefore liable to be struck down.