Polity

Centre proposes setting up new body for river-linking projects in India

·         The Centre has set in motion the method of making the National interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA), an freelance autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and therefore the implementation of the river interlinking projects within the country.

·         NIRA, to be headed by a Government of India Secretary-rank officer, can replace the present National water development Agency (NWDA) and can an as associate degree umbrella body for all river linking projects.

·         The new body can coordinate with neighbouring countries and concerned states and departments and can even have powers on problems associated with atmosphere, wildlife and forest clearances under river linking projects and their legal aspects.

·         NIRA can have the ability to lift funds and act as a repository of borrowed funds or cash received on deposit or loan given on interest.

·         Besides, itll even have a mandate to coordinate with neighbouring countries “as directed” by the Ministry of Jal Shakti or the Ministry of External Affairs.

·         It will also have the power to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for individual link projects. Inter-State River Water Disputes: Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes.

·         Under this, Parliament might by law give for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the utilization, distribution and management of waters of any inter-state river and river valley.

·         Parliament may also give that neither the Supreme Court nor the other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or criticism.

·         The Parliament has enacted the two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).

·         The stream Boards Act provides for the establishment of watercourse boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of Inter-state river and river valleys.

·         A watercourse Board is established on the request of state governments involved to advise them.

·         The Inter-State Water Disputes Act empowers the Central government to line up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between 2 or also states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley.

·         The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute.

·         Neither the Supreme Court nor the other court is to possess jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which can be referred to such a court under this Act.