Power to enter land for reconnaissance and preliminary survey in connection with highway

(1) The Highway Authority or any officer not below the rank of a sub engineer of Public Works Department or local body or any person authorised by the Highways Authority in this behalf, may for the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this Act- (a) enter upon any land along with his workmen and survey and take measurements and levels on it; (b) mark such levels, dig or bore into the subsoil and do all other works necessary to ascertain whether the land is suitable or not; (c) set out the boundaries of the proposed highway by placing marks and cutting trenches; (d) cut down and clear any part of a standing crop, fence etc, where otherwise survey cannot be completed and the levels taken and the boundaries marked, and (e) do all other acts necessary in this behalf: Provided that no person shall enter into any building or any enclosed court or garden attached to a dwelling house or cut down and clear any part of standing crops, fence etc. without the consent of the occupier thereof or without giving such occupier at least 48 hours notice in writing of his intention to do so. (2) The Highway Authority or the authorized official shall, at the time of such entry pay or tender payment for all necessary damages to be done as aforesaid and in case of dispute as to the sufficiency of the amount so paid or tendered, shall within a period of seven days, refer the dispute and deposit offered amount if not accepted, for the decision to the Collector of the district and his decision shall be final.