Under the third chapter of the existing law concerning the commission’s functions, it was only granted the authority to make recommendations. These included recommendations for freeing rivers from encroachment and preventing reoccupation, recommendations regarding the eviction of illegal structures on riverbanks, and recommendations for reducing river water pollution—amounting to a total of 13 issues on which the commission could advise the government.

In the proposed law, the National River Conservation Commission seeks authority to take action against river polluters and encroachers. According to Section 15 of the draft law, the commission or its representatives will have the authority to inspect, inquire into, and investigate encroachment, pollution, and activities harming navigability in all rivers, canals, and coastal river areas across the country.

At the same time, the commission or its representatives will have access to all facilities and locations under government, private offices, agencies, and institutions. Furthermore, the draft law provides the commission with authority to issue notices to and interrogate any public or private individual or institution.