Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil Inaugurates New NDSA Office; Launches Key Digital Initiatives for Dam Safety
Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil Inaugurates New NDSA Office; Launches Key Digital Initiatives for Dam Safety
The new office of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at West Block II, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, was inaugurated today by Shri C. R. Paatil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti. The ceremony was also attended by Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Paatil Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri Anupam Prasad, Chairman Central Water Commission and Shri Anil Jain, Chairman NDSA, along with other senior officials of the Ministry.
Shri C. R. Paatil inaugurated the new NDSA office by ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the plaque, followed by a walkthrough of the office premises. A tree plantation was also undertaken at the NDSA lawn by Shri C. R. Paatil, Shri Raj Bhushan Choudhary and Shri V. L. Kantha Rao.
During the programme, several digital initiatives developed by the National Dam Safety Authority aimed at strengthening dam safety governance and promoting data-driven decision-making were launched.
Launch of NDSA Website
Shri C. R. Paatil launched the NDSA website (https://ndsa.gov.in), developed in accordance with the DBIM 3.0 guidelines. A key feature of the website is the GIS-based “Specified Dams” section, which provides a map-based interface displaying important information and features of specified dams across India. A short introductory video highlighting the key sections and functionalities of the website was also presented.
Launch of NETRA – NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI
The Union Minister launched NETRA (NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI), an AI-enabled platform developed by NDSA in collaboration with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), a premier R&D laboratory of the Indian Navy.
NETRA provides a conversational interface that allows quick access to information from key NDSA documents, including the Dam Safety Act regulations and policy guidelines. The platform is also integrated with DHARMA, the national repository of dam safety data covering more than 6,600 specified dams and thousands of inspection reports, enabling faster access, analysis and review of dam safety information.
Launch of Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan
Shri C. R. Paatil also launched Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan (RBSD), a visualisation platform developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing for presenting the results of Dam Break Analysis (DBA). The tool enables effective visualisation and interpretation of potential dam break scenarios and supports improved risk assessment and planning.
Remote Launch of CWC Solar Facility
As part of the programme, the Union Minister also remotely inaugurated rooftop solar power plants installed at seven buildings of the Central Water Commission, each having an installed capacity of less than 25 kW, reinforcing the Government’s commitment towards clean energy and sustainable infrastructure.
In his address, Shri C. R. Paatil appreciated the efforts of the NDSA in strengthening dam safety governance through technology-driven initiatives. He particularly commended the development of the NDSA website, which would enhance the transparency and accessibility of dam safety information.
Referring to NETRA, he noted that more than 13,000 inspection reports are generated every year during pre-monsoon and post monsoon inspections of dams. He observed that integrating artificial intelligence with the DHARMA database would greatly assist in analysing this large volume of information and would significantly support the process of digitising dam safety data and improving decision-making.
He also appreciated the work of CDAC in developing tools that enable the creation of digital maps and visualisation platforms for dam break analysis, which are essential for modern risk assessment and planning. He further acknowledged the initiative of the Central Water Commission in installing rooftop solar power facilities and emphasised the importance of promoting clean energy in government institutions.
The minister expressed confidence that the new office and improved workplace environment at NDSA would enhance efficiency and productivity and further strengthen the Authority’s role in ensuring dam safety across the country.
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