17. Directions and instructions by Central Government.—(1) The Central Government may, from
time to time, issue to the Board such directions and instructions as it may deem necessary for the efficient
administration of this Act and the Board shall carry out such directions and instructions.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1), the
Central Government may, while granting (whether directly or through the Board and after due
appropriation made by Parliament by law in that behalf) any financial assistance, by way of loans or
grants for the execution by any State Government of any dam or other project referred to in clause (d) of
sub-section (1) of section 13 after obtaining the approval of the State Government in this behalf, direct the
Board to exercise all such powers as may be necessary for satisfying itself that the works are being
executed in accordance with the standards and specifications laid down therefor by the Board.