Power to issue directions

(1) On or after the issue of a notification under section 3, the District Magistrate may by notice,— (i) direct every occupier within the affected area to carry out such preventive or remedial measures (including the removal or destruction of plants which are infested or likely to be infested) as the District Magistrate may specify in the notice, to eradicate, destroy or prevent the introduction, spread or re-appearance of any plant disease, pest, parasite or noxious weeds; (ii) call upon any male person, not being below the age of eighteen years and residing within the said area, to render such assistance as may be specified in the notice, in carrying out the measures referred to in clause (i), provided that no person— (a) who is not an occupier shall be called upon to render whole time service for a period exceeding seven days at a time and there shall be an interval of not less than ninety days before any such person is called upon to render whole time service after having already rendered such service; or (b) who is, by reason of old age, disability or any other reasonable cause, physically incapable of rendering assistance, or who lives at a distance of more than 5 kms. from the place where his presence is required for the purpose of rendering assistance, shall be called upon to render such assistance; and (iii) specify the area within which and the period during which the measures referred to in clause (i) are to be carried out. (2) It shall not be necessary to notify every occupier under clause (i) of sub-section (1) or every other person whose assistance is required under clause (ii) of the said sub-section, and a proclamation in this behalf made by beat of drum or other customary mode in the area, village or locality shall be deemed sufficient notice to all affected persons residing in that area, village or locality.