Proactive Safety: SJVN Partners with NDSA for Mega Dam Safety Awareness Program at NJHPS
Community Engagement and Modern Technology Take Center Stage in Jhakri to Boost Disaster Preparedness and Risk Mitigation
19/05/2026-VIDYA SAGAR
SHIMLA: In a major push toward disaster resilience and proactive risk management, SJVN’s flagship Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station (NJHPS), in collaboration with the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), successfully organized a comprehensive Dam Safety Awareness Program today in Jhakri.
The community-centric initiative was designed to elevate local awareness regarding dam safety protocols, foster emergency preparedness, and establish robust risk-mitigation strategies for downstream areas.
Empowering Communities & Stakeholders
Speaking on the significance of the event, Sh. Bhupender Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of SJVN, highlighted that safeguarding neighboring communities and infrastructure remains a top priority. Echoing this sentiment, Sh. Ajay Kumar Sharma, Director (Personnel), SJVN, emphasized that the initiative underscores the vital role of coordinated stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and environmental responsibility in building a sustainable culture of dam safety.
The high-profile event was officially inaugurated by Dr. Amit Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Kinnaur, alongside Sh. Saurabh Agarwal, Member (Admin & Finance), NDSA. Welcoming the dignitaries and locals, Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Head of Project (NJHPS), reiterated SJVN’s commitment to regularly hosting such regional programs to keep local communities well-informed and prepared.
Expert Insights & Tech-Driven Safety
The program brought together an elite panel of experts and officials from premier national institutions, including:
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India Meteorological Department (IMD)
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National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
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Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
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National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)
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State Administration Officials
Keynote speakers delivered detailed presentations focusing on modern weather forecasting, real-time disaster management, and the integration of cutting-edge satellite technologies for early warning systems. The experts mutually emphasized that technology combined with swift community coordination is the ultimate defense against flash floods and unforeseen ecological challenges.
Direct Dialogue and Grassroots Action
A core highlight of the day was an interactive session where local residents—particularly those living in downstream villages—directly engaged with the experts. Locals voiced their concerns, shared firsthand experiences of living near the river basin, and offered valuable feedback on improving early warning sirens and evacuation routes.
Moving beyond discussions, the latter half of the program turned into a vibrant grassroots campaign featuring:
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An Awareness March: Led by energetic local students advocating for safety vigilance.
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A Tree Plantation Campaign: Promoting ecological stability along the river banks.
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Educational Skits: Engaging street plays (Nukkad Nataks) performed to simplify flood safety protocols and disaster awareness for the general public.
By blending technical expertise with active community participation, the event successfully bridged the gap between authorities and citizens, establishing a stronger, safer blueprint for hydro-power operations in the region.
