NWDA is the agency of the Union Ministry of Water Resources.
It was set up in July, 1982 as autonomous society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
It was established to carry out the water balance and other studies on a scientific and realistic basis for optimum utilisation of Water Resources of the Peninsular rivers system.
Besides it was tasked to prepare feasibility reports and give concrete shape to Peninsular Rivers Development Component of National Perspective.
In 1990, it was also entrusted with the task of Himalayan Rivers Development Component of National Perspectives.
Recently, the functions of NWDA have been further modified and the work of preparation of detailed Project Reports (DPR) of various link proposals and Pre-feasibility Reports.
It has been also entrusted to prepare feasibility reports of intra-State links as proposed by the States.