Govt Launches AI Tool NETRA to Boost Dam Safety Monitoring

The minister inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon and unveiling a commemorative plaque, followed by a walkthrough of the new office premises.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Paatil on Tuesday inaugurated the new office of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at West Block II, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, while unveiling a series of technology-driven initiatives aimed at strengthening dam safety governance across India.

The event was attended by Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Minister of State for Jal Shakti; V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation; Anupam Prasad, Chairman of the Central Water Commission; and Anil Jain, Chairman of the National Dam Safety Authority, along with senior officials from the ministry.

The minister inaugurated the facility by cutting the ribbon and unveiling a commemorative plaque, followed by a walkthrough of the new office premises. A tree plantation drive was also held on the NDSA lawn, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable development.

Digital Platforms to Strengthen Dam Safety Governance

During the programme, several digital initiatives developed by the National Dam Safety Authority were launched to support data-driven decision-making, improved monitoring, and risk management for dams across the country.

NDSA Website with GIS-Based Dam Information

The Union Minister launched the official NDSA website (ndsa.gov.in), developed in accordance with DBIM 3.0 guidelines.

A key feature of the website is the GIS-based “Specified Dams” section, which provides an interactive map interface showing key details and features of specified dams across India. The platform is designed to improve transparency, public accessibility, and information sharing related to dam safety infrastructure.

An introductory video demonstrating the website’s functionalities and sections was also presented during the launch.

NETRA: AI-Powered Platform for Dam Safety Data

One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of NETRA (NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI)—an artificial intelligence-enabled platform developed by NDSA in collaboration with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), a premier research and development laboratory of the Indian Navy.

NETRA offers a conversational interface that allows users to quickly access information from key NDSA documents, including:

• Dam Safety Act regulations

• Policy guidelines

• Technical and administrative documents related to dam management

The platform is also integrated with DHARMA, the national repository of dam safety data covering over 6,600 specified dams and thousands of inspection reports.

Officials said the system will significantly improve the analysis, tracking, and review of dam safety information, enabling authorities to respond more efficiently to potential risks.

Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan for Risk Visualization

The minister also launched Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan (RBSD), a visualization platform developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).

The platform presents the results of Dam Break Analysis (DBA) using advanced digital mapping and visualization tools. It enables engineers and policymakers to simulate potential dam break scenarios, improving risk assessment, emergency planning, and disaster preparedness.

Solar Power Initiative at CWC Buildings

As part of the event, Paatil also remotely inaugurated rooftop solar power plants installed across seven buildings of the Central Water Commission (CWC).

Each facility has an installed capacity of less than 25 kW, reinforcing the government’s commitment to clean energy adoption and sustainable infrastructure within public institutions.

AI to Transform Dam Inspection Analysis

In his address, the minister highlighted the growing scale of dam monitoring operations in India. He noted that over 13,000 inspection reports are generated annually during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon inspections of dams across the country.

By integrating artificial intelligence with the DHARMA database, NETRA will help authorities analyse this large volume of data more effectively and accelerate the digitisation of dam safety management systems.

Paatil also commended C-DAC’s role in developing digital mapping and visualization tools, which are essential for modern dam risk assessment and infrastructure planning.

Strengthening India’s Dam Safety Framework

The minister expressed confidence that the new office infrastructure and improved workplace environment would enhance efficiency and productivity at the National Dam Safety Authority.

India currently operates thousands of dams critical for water supply, irrigation, hydropower generation, and flood control, making dam safety a crucial element of national infrastructure management.

Established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the National Dam Safety Authority is responsible for regulating dam safety standards, monitoring inspections, and coordinating safety measures across states.

Paatil said the newly launched initiatives would further strengthen the authority’s capacity to ensure safe, resilient, and technology-enabled dam management across the country.