To give advice to Central/State Governments and their agencies on matters related to Surface Water, to appoint expert panels to consider special problems to advice the committee

To prepare and periodically update the state-of-the-art in the country in Surface Water sector; to disseminate information related to Surface Water; to support and conduct mass awareness programmes

To undertake studies on historical appreciation of development of Surface Water and introduce perspective planning for research in Surface Water

To recommend funding for the infrastructure development of Surface Water research institutions as well as recognition of Centres of Excellence in Surface Water, to maintain effective co-operation with other National Committees/Boards/ Ministries & Govt. Deptt/Universities & other Academic institutions

To coordinate the R&D activities in Surface Water in general and R&D programme of MoWR in particular; to monitor the progress made by the executing institutions on research schemes; to identify areas needing immediate attention, to avoid overlaps in research programmes of different institutions, to invite and encourage R&D proposals in areas having inadequate work done; to encourage national institutions/voluntary, professional bodies and non-commercial NGOs to take up R&D in Surface Water;

To promote HRD programmes, leading to specialisation of research staff and recommend encouragement for outstanding research personnel;

To promote and coordinate effective participation of India in the international programmes related to Surface Water and to act as national committee for such international bodies where required;

To encourage indigenous industry through loans to take up technological development in Surface Water;