Centre set to create river interlinking projects in India

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