Water reservoirs and channels for irrigation, etc. not be cultivated or converted to other purposes.

(1) Bandhas, aharas, tanks and other water reservoirs or channels, which are used either for the purposes of protection from flood or for irrigation, bathing, washing or drinking, shall not be settled for or converted to any other purpose without the consent of the raiyats and the village headman or mulraiyat, or the landlord in khas village, and the approval of the Deputy Commissioner. No one shall bring under cultivation any such water reservoir or channel. (2) No proprietor or landlord shall be entitled to levy any charge for the use of water reservoirs and channels mentioned in sub-section (1) for irrigation, bathing, washing or drinking purposes.