Centre commenced process of establishing NIRA

The centre has commenced the process of establishing the National Inter­linking of Rivers Authority (NIRA). It will be an autonomous body that would plan, investigate, finance and implement river interlinking projects across the country. NIRA will replace the present National Water Development Agency and serve as a coordinating organisation for all river linking proje­cts. The new agency will communicate with neighbouring nations and concerned governments and departments, and will have authority over environmental, wildlife and forest clearances linked to river connecting projects, as well as their legal elements. The ministry is expected to seek cabinet approval soon. A notification of approval by the cabinet will facilitate early establishment of NIRA. The Ministry of Law and Justice has already given its approval. On October 22, 2021, the task force for river interlinking had a meeting to discuss the proposal for the formation of NIRA. NIRA will also be able to create an SPV for individual linking projects.