National Interlinking of Rivers Authority

The central government is contemplating the creation of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA).

Context

The central government is contemplating the creation of the National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA).

NIRA is supposed to be an independent autonomous body for planning, investigation, financing and the implementation of the river interlinking projects in the country.
NIRA will function as an umbrella body for all river linking projects and be headed by a Government of India Secretary-rank officer.
It will replace the existing National Water Development Agency (NWDA).
It will coordinate with neighbouring countries and concerned states and departments and will also have powers on issues related to the environment, wildlife and forest clearances under river linking projects and their legal aspects.
NIRA 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.

Origin of Idea: The idea was first mooted during the British Raj when Sir Arthur Cotton, a British general and irrigation engineer suggested linking the Ganga and the Cauvery for navigational purposes.
Aim: The Inter Linking of Rivers (ILR) programme is aimed at linking different surplus rivers of the country with deficient rivers so that the excess water from surplus regions could be diverted to deficient regions.
Need for Such Projects:

A national water grid aims to connect various surplus rivers with deficient rivers.
It aims to transfer excess water from water-rich to water-deficit regions.
This is to help improve irrigation, increase water for drinking and industrial use.
Mitigating drought and floods to an extent are also part of the objectives.
Other Benefits: Hydropower generation, Round the year navigation, Employment generation, Ecological benefits as dried up forests and lands will be replenished.