Measures for protection of Drinking water catchment areas

(1) On the declaration of an area as drinking water catchment area under section 11, the Government shall have the power to take such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting the catchment area. (2) In particular and without Prejudice to the generality of the provisions of sub-section (1) such measures may include all or any of the following matters, namely- (a) Planting or advising the planting of trees and taking up of other steps to regenerate the forests; (b) Testing of the soil samples; (c) In the case of a notified catchment area, prohibiting therein within periphery shall apply thereof- (i) The felling of trees, destruction or clearance of grooves, bushes or any vegetative cover; (ii) Jhumming or cultivation or use of any insecticide or pesticide or any harmful chemicals. (iii) Quarrying of sand or stone. (iv) Excavation of earth. (v) Open Defecation along the water bodies. (vi) Sewer outlets, disposal of solid waste. (vii) The carrying out of any activity which in the opinion is likely to damage the springs, streams, rivulets, lakes, glaciers or water sources in the area. (3) In case of any unavoidable project of State or National interest covering a portion or full part of notified catchment area, the exemption/limitation of this Act shall be sanctioned by the State Government.