National Interlinking of Rivers Authority(NIRA):
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NIRA is supposed to be an independent autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country.
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Headed by: The authority is to be headed by a Government of India Secretary-rank officer.
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Who will it replace? NIRA will replace the existing National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
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Functions of NIRA
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It will coordinate with neighbouring countries and concerned states and departments on river interlinking projects.
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It will have powers on issues related to the environment, wildlife and forest clearances under river linking projects and their legal aspects.
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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.
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It will also have the power to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for individual link projects.
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