The New Indian Express ·
Himachal dams face growing safety risks amid extreme weather
CHANDIGARH: Three of Himachal Pradesh’s 15 operational dams inspected during 2025-26 have been placed in Category-II for potential hazard, with deficiencies requiring sustained monitoring and timely remedial action. The remaining 12 have been classified under Category-I based on their potential hazard level.
The findings are contained in the Annual Report on Dam Safety–2025-26 of the State Dam Safety Organisation (SDSO), prepared by the Directorate of Energy under the provisions of the Dam Safety Act, 2021. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu tabled the report in the state Assembly on Thursday, the last day of the monsoon session.
According to the report, Himachal Pradesh has 31 designed dams, of which 26 commissioned dams are currently operational. Four dams are under construction and one is under commissioning. Of the 17 dams under the jurisdiction of the Himachal Pradesh SDSO, 11 are owned by private power companies and six by government organisations.
