The Authority shall exercise and discharge following powers and functions, namely:-
(a) to recommend to the Council the Integrated State Water Resources Plan proposed by Water Resources Planning Department of the State Government;
(b) to recommend to the Council water resources projects proposed by Water Resources Planning Department of the State Government on the basis of the basin and sub-basin wise plans;
(c) to ensure that the Integrated State Water Resources Plan and water resources projects proposed by Water Resources Planning Department of the State Government are in conformity with the economic, hydrologic and environmental viability and where relevant, are in consonance with the State's obligations under inter-state agreements and awards of water dispute tribunals;
(d) to ensure that the Integrated State Water Resources Plan and water resources projects proposed by Water Resources Planning Department of the state Government are in conformity with concept of Integrated Water Resources Management;
(e) to recommend the Council inter basin water transfer from surplus to deficit basins including interlinking of rivers to ensure optimal and efficient utilization of surface water;
(f) to endeavor to develop navigational facilities for inland water transport in major rivers and canals;
(g) to formulate action plan for making rivers and its streas prennial or semi-perennial by undertaking activities for-
(i) watershed development;
(ii) construction of micro or minor irrigation tanks;
(iii) construction of check dams downstream of micro or minor irrigation tanks; and
(iv) construction of series of barrages on river streams;
(h) to secure compliance of all decisions, directions and resolutions passed by the Council;
(i) to coordinate with the departments of the State Government for efficient implementation of water resources plans or projects;
(j) to facilate and ensure development, maintenance and dissemination, of a comprehensive hydro- meteorological information data base;
(k) to promote pressure irrigation for efficient use of water resources;
(l) to pursue the interlinking projects of Sharada- Yamuna, Yamuna-Rajasthan and Rajasthan- Sabarmati and such other major river interlinking projects as the Council or the State Government may direct;
(m) to endeavor to develop fisheries in minor irrigation tanks and rivers which are rendered perennial.