The safety of the dams is the prime responsibility of the state governments and the dam owners and the Dam Safety Bill 2019 proposes an institutional framework and provisions for prevention of dam failure related disaster through proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of dams in India.

The proposed DSB, 2019 in no way seeks to alter or dilute States’ established ownership of dams or their day-to-day roles in the operation and management of dams. This was stated by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti & Social Justice and Empowerment while answering a question on the rationale for departing from the procedure of state governments having jurisdiction over dam safety, though dam is a state subject.