Powers of the Authority

(1) The Authority shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, have power to do anything which may be necessary or expedient for carrying out its functions under this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing provisions, such power shall include the power- (i) to obtain such periodic or specific information from any local body as it may deem necessary; (ii) to prepare and carry out schemes for water supply and sewerage and to exercise all powers and perform all functions relating thereto: Provided that the power of sanctioning schemes costing more than rupees one crore shall be exercised only with the previous approval of the Government; (iii) to lay down the schedule of fees for all services rendered by the Authority to the Government, local bodies, institutions or individuals, to fix or amend tariffs and charges for water supply and sewerage services and collect all such fees and charges for those services as may be prescribed: Provided that any revision of tariffs and charges for water supply and sewerage services shall be made only with the previous approval of the Government; (iv) to enter into contract or agreement with any person, firm or institution as the Authority may deem necessary, for performing its functions under this Act: Provided that any contract or agreement involving more than rupees one crore shall be entered into by the Authority only with the previous approval of the Government; (v) to adopt its own budget annually subject to the previous approval of the Government; (vi) to abstract water for drinking purpose from any natural source and with the permission of the Government for other purposes and dispose of waste water; (vii) to borrow money, issue debentures, to obtain subventions, capital contributions, loans and grants, to incur expenditure and manage its own funds; (viii) to grant loans and advances to such persons or authorities as the Authority may deem necessary for performing the functions under this Act; (ix) to acquire, possess and hold lands and other property, and to carry any water or sewerage works through, across, over or under any highway, road, street or place and after reasonable notice in writing to the owner or occupier, into, through, over or under any building or land; (x) to accept gifts in kind and in cash with the previous approval of the Government.