The River Boards Act, 1956

The River Boards Act, 1956 was enacted to provide for the establishment of River Boards for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. The Act provides for the constitution of River Boards, their powers and functions, and their funding. The main objective of the Act is to promote inter-state cooperation and the integrated development of river valleys. The River Boards have the power to plan and execute projects for the development of river valleys and the regulation of inter-state rivers. They can also settle disputes related to the use of river waters between states. The Act empowers the Central Government to constitute a River Board for any inter-state river or river valley, on the request of two or more state governments. The Central Government can also take necessary measures to ensure the proper functioning of the River Boards.