The Betwa River Board Act, 1976

The Betwa River Board Act, 1976, is a specific legislation that provides for the establishment of the Betwa River Board. This Board is tasked with the creation of a reservoir at Rajghat through the construction of a dam on the Betwa River, involving the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Act focuses on the regulation and management of the Rajghat Reservoir and related aspects.

1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:

The Betwa River Board Act, 1976, was enacted to establish a Board for the creation of a reservoir at Rajghat by constructing a dam on the Betwa River. It aims to regulate the reservoir’s management and involves the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), Government of India.

2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:

The Act was enacted on 10th April 1976. It is divided into five chapters and has 24 sections, along with a schedule.

3: Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the Betwa River Board, which is a body corporate established under the Act. The Central Government, in consultation with the Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, oversees the Board’s functioning. The Act defines the composition, powers, and functions of the Board.

4: On Whom it is applicable:

This Act applies to the Betwa River Board, its members, officers, and employees, as well as the Governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It also applies to any person or entity involved in the construction, maintenance, or management of the Rajghat Dam and related infrastructure.

5: Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not prescribe specific penalties or punishments. Instead, it focuses on the establishment of the Betwa River Board and its functions related to the Rajghat Dam. The Act empowers the Central Government to issue directions to the Board and the State Governments, and to resolve disputes between them.

6: Important Pointers:

• The Act establishes the Betwa River Board for the Rajghat Dam project.

• It defines the composition, powers, and functions of the Board and its Executive Committee.

• It outlines the responsibilities of the Board in relation to the construction, management, and regulation of the Rajghat Reservoir.

• The Act includes provisions for the management of the Betwa River Board Fund.

• It empowers the Central Government to issue directions and resolve disputes related to the project.

• The Act also emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

7: Act Copy: