Centre set to create river interlinking projects in India

18 Nov 2021 CW Team

The Centre has set the process of creating the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) for the planning, investigating and financing the implementation of the river interlinking projects in India.

NIRA will replace the existing National Water Development Agency (NWDA), and it will act as an umbrella body for all river interlinking projects. It will coordinate with the neighbouring countries, states and departments and have the powers on issues related to the environment, wildlife and forest clearance under the river interlinking projects.

According to an official source, the proposal for the constitution of NIRA was deliberated in a meeting of the Special Committee for Interlinking of Rivers by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. Other officials, including the state water resources ministers, were also present.

Sources told the media that the Ministry would soon send a note to the Cabinet for its approval. The Cabinet approved NIRA and would be a preferred route for its early constitution. The Ministry of Law also approved establishing the new body.

The Task Force for Interlinking of Rivers (TFILR) has already deliberated on the proposal of NIRA.

NIRA will have the power to raise funds and work as a repository of borrowed funds or money received on depositing or loan given on interest. It also has the power to coordinate with neighbouring countries and states as directed by the Jal Shakti or the Ministry of External Affairs. NIRA can also set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for individual link projects.

Image Source

Real Estate

08 Oct 2025

Bennet & Bernard Unveil Dutch-Inspired ‘Casa El Toledo’ in Goa

Bennet & Bernard Group, Goa’s leading luxury real estate developer, has launched its newest project, Casa El Toledo, in Assagao. The enclave features 18 ultra-luxury 4 BHK Dutch-style villas blending European charm with tropical elegance. Each villa includes a private pool, double-height ceilings, open courtyards, alfresco dining areas, and English-inspired landscaping. The interiors are curated by noted Dutch designer Kelly Marie. Reflecting the grandeur of the Dutch Golden Age, Casa El Toledo harmonises heritage aesthetics with modern sensibilities. Expansive interiors flow..

Godrej Delivers Heaviest Ecolaire Surface Condenser to US Project

Godrej Enterprises Group’s Process Equipment business has manufactured and delivered its heaviest Ecolaire® Surface Condenser to date, weighing nearly 450 metric tonnes, for a power-generation project in the United States. The project, powered by natural gas and partly designed for hydrogen compatibility, marks another step in advancing clean energy systems. Produced at the company’s GreenCo-certified Dahej facility in Gujarat, the equipment demonstrates India’s growing engineering capabilities and reinforces Godrej’s ‘Make in India for the World’ vision. Hussain S..

India, Brazil Discuss Energy Ties And Oil Investments

Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri held discussions with Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the President of Brazil, and senior Brazilian officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy transition sectors. The talks took place during a dinner hosted by Kenneth H da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India, at his residence in New Delhi.Mr Puri said the meeting focused on Indian investments in Brazil’s oil and gas sector, as well as expanding collaboration in energy transition and biofuels. “The enriching conversation revolved ar..