Classify dams based on structure and design.
In short
By material, dams are masonry (concrete or stone), embankment (earth or rock-fill) or timber, and by design they are gravity, arch or buttress dams, with low, medium and high classes by height. Their safety is regulated by the National Dam Safety Authority under the Dam Safety Act 2021.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 262 words
Regulatory Oversight
The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), established under the Dam Safety Act 2021, governs dam safety nationwide, including large projects like Polavaram in Andhra Pradesh, ensuring structural integrity and risk mitigation.
Height-Based Categories
The Central Water Commission classifies dams as low, medium, or high, with large dams exceeding 15 meters, a category that includes major Andhra Pradesh projects like Polavaram, influencing design and safety protocols.
Multi-Purpose Design Complexities
Dams like Polavaram serve irrigation, hydropower, and flood control, requiring complex features such as spillways, flood cushions, and sediment management to balance competing demands and environmental concerns.
Advanced Monitoring Systems
Tools like the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) provide real-time safety data for dams in Andhra Pradesh, enhancing early warning and maintenance efficiency.
Seismic-Resistant Structures
Designs in earthquake-prone areas incorporate flexible materials and reinforced foundations, crucial for dams sited in higher seismic zones, improving resilience against seismic events.
Uniform Safety Standards
Adopt regionally adaptable design and safety standards across Andhra Pradesh to address local geological and climatic conditions effectively.
Enhanced Institutional Coordination
Improve collaboration between NDSA, state bodies, and local authorities for integrated dam design, operation, and emergency preparedness, ensuring comprehensive safety management.
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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2016 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.