Syllabus Section: Governance (GS Paper II)

Importance: UPSC Prelims and UPSC Mains

Why in News?

Recently, Centre has set in motion the process of creating the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA), an independent autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country.

NATIONAL INTERLINKING OF RIVERS AUTHORITY (NIRA)

• NIRA, will replace the existing National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
• It will function as an umbrella body for all river linking projects.
• It will be headed by a Government of India Secretary-rank officer.

FUNCTIONS:

• It will coordinate with neighbouring countries and concerned states and departments as directed” by the Ministry of Jal Shakti or the Ministry of External Affairs.
• It will also have powers on issues related to environment, wildlife and forest clearances under river linking projects and their legal aspects.
• It will have the power to raise funds and act as a repository of borrowed funds or money received on deposit or loan given on interest.
• It will also have the power to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for individual link projects.

Source: Indian Express