Union Minister Inaugurates NDSA Office and Launches Digital Tools

13 Mar 2026 CW Team

Several digital initiatives were launched to strengthen dam safety governance and promote data-driven decision making. The minister launched the NDSA website, developed in line with DBIM 3.0 guidelines, featuring a GIS-based Specified Dams section with a map-based interface and an introductory video. NETRA, the NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI, was unveiled as an AI-enabled platform developed with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment.

NETRA provides a conversational interface to access core NDSA documents and regulations and is integrated with DHARMA, the national repository of dam safety data that covers more than 6,600 specified dams and thousands of inspection reports. The minister noted that more than 13,000 inspection reports are generated annually during pre monsoon and post monsoon work and observed that combining artificial intelligence with DHARMA would expedite analysis and support digitisation of records. The platform aims to enable faster review and data-driven decision making for risk mitigation and governance.

Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), was launched to present dam break analysis results through visualisation tools and improve risk assessment. The minister remotely inaugurated rooftop solar plants at seven buildings of the Central Water Commission (CWC), each with an installed capacity of less than 25 kilowatt (kW), underscoring a commitment to clean energy. The initiatives were described as measures to enhance transparency, accelerate technology adoption and strengthen preparedness for dam safety management.

Union Minister C. R. Paatil inaugurated the new office of the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) at West Block II in R.K. Puram, New Delhi, in a ceremony with Raj Bhushan Choudhary, V. L. Kantha Rao, Anupam Prasad, Anil Jain and other senior ministry officials. The event included an unveiling of a plaque and a tree plantation on the NDSA lawn. The minister said the new premises would support the Authority's mandate and improve workplace efficiency. Several digital initiatives were launched to strengthen dam safety governance and promote data-driven decision making. The minister launched the NDSA website, developed in line with DBIM 3.0 guidelines, featuring a GIS-based Specified Dams section with a map-based interface and an introductory video. NETRA, the NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI, was unveiled as an AI-enabled platform developed with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment. NETRA provides a conversational interface to access core NDSA documents and regulations and is integrated with DHARMA, the national repository of dam safety data that covers more than 6,600 specified dams and thousands of inspection reports. The minister noted that more than 13,000 inspection reports are generated annually during pre monsoon and post monsoon work and observed that combining artificial intelligence with DHARMA would expedite analysis and support digitisation of records. The platform aims to enable faster review and data-driven decision making for risk mitigation and governance. Rashtriya Bandh Suraksha Darpan, developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), was launched to present dam break analysis results through visualisation tools and improve risk assessment. The minister remotely inaugurated rooftop solar plants at seven buildings of the Central Water Commission (CWC), each with an installed capacity of less than 25 kilowatt (kW), underscoring a commitment to clean energy. The initiatives were described as measures to enhance transparency, accelerate technology adoption and strengthen preparedness for dam safety management.

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