Ministry of Jal Shaktri
The Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873, is a historical piece of legislation that governs irrigation, navigation, and drainage in Northern India. It outlines the powers of the State Government over water resources, regulates the construction and maintenance of canals, and establishes guidelines for water usage and dispute resolution. The Act provides a framework for managing water resources for public purposes.
1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:
The Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873, was enacted to regulate irrigation, navigation, and drainage in Northern India. This act falls under the purview of the respective State Governments where it is applicable, primarily Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Delhi. It is concerned with the management of water resources for public purposes.
2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:
The Act was enacted on 11th February 1873. It is divided into eleven parts and has 75 sections.
3: Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the State Governments, which have the power to issue notifications, make rules, and appoint officers to oversee the implementation of the Act. The Act empowers various Canal-officers and other officials to manage and regulate water resources. The judiciary also plays a role in resolving disputes and enforcing the Act’s provisions.
4: On Whom it is applicable:
This Act applies to all individuals and entities involved in the use, management, and construction of canals, water-courses, and drainage-works in the specified regions of Northern India. This includes landowners, tenants, canal operators, and any person using canal water for irrigation, navigation, or other purposes.
5: Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties for various offenses, including:
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Damaging, altering, or obstructing canals or drainage-works.
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Interfering with the supply or flow of water.
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Using canal water in an unauthorized manner.
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Neglecting the maintenance of water-courses.
Penalties range from monetary fines to imprisonment, depending on the nature and severity of the offense.
6: Important Pointers:
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The Act establishes the State Government’s control over water resources.
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It defines key terms related to canals, water-courses, and drainage-works.
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It outlines the procedures for applying for water supply, constructing water-courses, and transferring water-courses.
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The Act empowers Canal-officers to enter and survey lands, clear obstructions, and regulate water supply.
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It includes provisions for compensation for damages caused by the government’s use of water resources.
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The Act regulates navigation on canals and addresses offenses related to canal usage.
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It also includes provisions for obtaining labor for canal and drainage-works.
7: Act Copy: