Dams are vital for irrigation, power generation, and flood control, but their failure often causes large-scale destruction. In the 21st century, such failures have become more concerning due to climate change, aging infrastructure, and unplanned urbanisation.

Causes of Dam Failures

1. Overtopping due to Extreme Rainfall

   • Intense rainfall events, sometimes worsened by climate change, exceed spillway capacity.
   • Example: Kerala’s 2018 floods caused by excess release from multiple dams.

2. Structural Defects or Poor Construction

   • Weak foundations or faulty materials can trigger collapse.
   • Example: Tiware Dam, Maharashtra (2019) — collapsed due to cracks and poor maintenance.

3. Poor Maintenance & Lack of Monitoring

   • Inadequate inspection, outdated equipment, and ignored warning signs lead to disasters.
   • India’s CAG reports often highlight lapses in dam maintenance.

4. Seismic Activity

   • Earthquakes can compromise dam structures, especially in geologically sensitive regions.
   • Himalayan dams face this risk acutely.

5. Siltation and Sedimentation

   • Excess silt reduces reservoir capacity, increasing pressure on dam walls.
   • Common in major rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra.

6. Landslides and Natural Disasters

   • Sudden landslides into reservoirs can displace water and cause overtopping.
   • Example: Uttarakhand’s Rishiganga flood (2021) damaged the Tapovan-Vishnugad hydro project.

7. Human Error and Operational Mismanagement

   • Delayed gate operation or unplanned water release worsens flooding.
   • Example: 2023 Sikkim Teesta dam flash flood — failure to manage sudden glacial lake outburst.

Examples of Dam Failures

1. Tiware Dam Failure (2019), Maharashtra, India

   • Cause: Structural cracks + heavy rain + ignored complaints.
   • Impact: 19 deaths, several villages washed away.

2. Saddenedu Dam Breach (2023), Andhra Pradesh, India

   • Cause: Unscientific desilting and poor repair work.
   • Impact: Farmlands submerged, property loss, exposed poor dam management.

Dam failures in the 21st century show a dangerous mix of natural vulnerabilities and administrative lapses. India's Dam Safety Act, 2021, aims to address these, but success depends on timely audits, structural upgrades, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience planning. With over 5,700 large dams, India must treat dam safety as a critical national infrastructure priority.