Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Act, 1931

Section -1] M 2 Section-2-3] M 3 Section-17-18] M 8 Section-27-30] M 14 Section-27-30] M 16 Section-31] M 18 Section-37-A] M 23 Section-45-46] M 30 Section-58 A,C] M 38 Section-58-L,M] M 45 Section-59,62] M 46 Section-65,66] M 49 Section-75-A,B] M 54 Section-75-A,B] M 60 Section-76-A] M 66 Section-91A,B] M 79 Section-92] M 86 Section -1] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [1 Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Act. 1931 (No.3 of 1931) [Incorporating amendments made Subsequently] An Act to consolidate and amend the law Relating to irrigation in M. P. Preamble: - Whereas it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to irrigation in Madhya Pradesh, and whereas the Governor General has given has previous sanction to the passing of this Act, as required by sub-section (3) of Section 80-A of Government of India Act: It is enacted as follows:

[(2) It extends and shall be in force in the whole of Madhya Pradesh. 1. This Act was brought into force in the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh [called C. P. & Berar] on the 15th March 1932, and extended to whole of new M. P. Vide Extension of Laws Act, 1958 w.e.f. 1-1-1959.

3. Substituted vide section 26 in Part A of the schedule to M.P.

1958 and sub section 3 is deleted.

These two enactments, referred to in the Principal Act have been repealed by MP Land Revenue Code 1959, which has now to be Sc {'n in lieu of these. Section-2-3] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [2 Chapter I – Definitions 2. Interpretation.- (1) Unless there is anything repugnant in the Subject or context, any expression used in this Act, which is defined or explained '[in the Central Provinces Land Revenue Act, 1917 or in the Central Province Tenancy Act, 1920], shall have the meaning therein assigned to it. (2) Every expression, which is defined or explained in any part of this Act, is used in every part of this Act in conformity with such definition or explanation. 3, Canal. - "Canal" includes: - 1[(a) all canals, channels and reservoirs Including submerging tanks tube wells, drainage works, and lift irrigation works constructed, maintained or controlled by the State Government for the supply of water for irrigation. (b) all works, roads, embankments, structures, supply and escape channels connected with, or constructed for the purpose of facilitating the construction Or maintenance of such canals, channels or reservoirs; (c) all uncompleted works which, when completed, will fall within clause (a) or (b); and (d) all land acquired or set apart for any of the above, but does not Include a water-course. Section 4-6] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [3 2(4. Water-Course, - “Water-Course" means any channel which is supplied with water from a canal but is not maintained at the cost of the government. And all subsidiary works belonging to such channel and including a field channel constructed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. [(4-A) Field Channel. - "Field Channel" means channel which conveys or distributes water from an outlet or an opening in a watercourse for irrigation of fields belonging to private owners.

"Canal System" means all canals supplied from one or more common sources or head-works, together with all watercourses supplied there from and all lands commanded thereby.

"Private Irrigation Work" means a work. Which Is not the property of the Government constructed or maintained for the supply or storage of water for Irrigation, [and includes a private. water-course]. 5[6-A. Private Water Course.- “Private Water Course" means a water course constructed at the cost of a permanent, holder. 1. The definition of 'Canal' was substituted vide Section~2 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973 (No. 42ofl973). 2 & 3. Section 4 & 4-A has been added by r-,.I. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 196( (No. 23 of 1960). 5. Inserted vide Section 26 in Part A of the Schedule to M. P. Extension 0 Laws Act, 1958 (No. 23 of 1958). 4 & Section 7-9] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [4

Grant in aid irrigation work" mean a Private irrigation work constructed or improved by or on behalf of a Permanent holder partly or wholly by means of grant of money from the Government.

Provided that the Executive Engineer, with the previous sanction of the Superintending Engineer, may declare any land to be not commanded If it can be irrigated only by an excessive expenditure of water or by means of a water course which passes through an area which the Executive Engineer considers it desir-able to avoid.

Wet. - Land Is said to be wet (a) When it is classed In the annual papers of the village under any description which the State Government may, by rules made under this Act, declare to have the meaning of "wet" for the purposes of this definition; or (b) When it has been declared by the Executive Engineer, with the Sanction of the Superintending Engineer, to be wet, Section10-12] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [5

(a) It is commanded by a canal; (b) It is under cultivation; and (c) It is not wet. Explanation.- Land which has been cultivated with any crop at any time during two years preceding that which an irrigation agreement has effect shall be deemed to be under cultivation

An "outlet" Is an opening, constructed by the State Government in a canal, through which water Is delivered into a watercourse or directly on to any land.

(1) A "Chak" is that area 01 land on one side of a canal or below a tail, which would be commanded by a single outlet so situated that it would command the greatest possible area of land On that side of the canal in that neighborhood. Explanation- The fact that, in order to secure a more efficient flow of water, two or more outlets are constructed for one chak, does not convert that chak into two or more chaks. (2) In cases of doubt, the Executive Engineer shall have power to determine the boundaries of chaks; and in all cases he shall have power so to determine them that no single chak shall include land in more than one village. Section,12-16] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [6 1[12-A. Compulsorily assessed area. - "Compulsorily assessed area" means an area notified as compulsorily assessed to water rate in accordance with rules made under this Act and the expression "compulsorily assessed" shall be construed accordingly.

An "occupier' 01 land is any person hold-ing or professing to hold the right to cultivate such land for the time being.

A "Permanent holder" of any land means the Bhumiswami of such land and includes an occupancy tenant thereof. [15. Canal revenue. - "Canal revenue" Includes Irrigation cess levied under Chapter VI-B and all sums payable to the Government for the use of, right to use 01, Or waste 01 water from, a canal.

A “water-rate" is the amount of canal revenue payable for the use of water or for the right to use water for irrigation for a single crop on one acre of land. Explanation-A single crop includes two crops 01 the same product within the same year. I. Inserted vide M.P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1945 (No. 11 of 1945). 2. Substituted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1960 (No. 23 of 1960). 3. This hag been substituted by Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973 (No. 42 of 1973) Vide Section 3 of the said Act. Section-17-18] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [7 Chapter II Canal officials and their charges and powers

(a) The Chief Engineer;(b) Superintending Engineers; (c) Executive Engineers; (d) Sub-Divisional Officers; and (e) Canal Deputy Collectors.

(1) The State Government may group together into circles, areas in which canals have been or are to be constructed, and may divide circles into divisions, and divisions into sub-divisions. (2) The State Government may at any time form new Circles, divisions or sub divisions, abolish existing circles, Divisions or sub-divisions, or alter the limits of existing circles, divisions or sub-divisions (3) The State Government shall appoint a chief Engineer to be in charge of the irrigation department generally, a Superintending Engineer to be in charge of each circle, an Executive Engineer to be in charge of each division, and a Sub-Divisional Officer, to be in charge of each division. (4) The State Government may appoint persons to be additional canal officers in any sub division, division or circle, and may invest them with any or all of the powers of Sub-Divisional Officer, Executive Engineer or Superintending Engineer, respectively. (5) T he State Government may invest Superintending Engineers with the power to appoint Sub-Divisional Officers to sub-divisions within their circles. Section-18-20] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [8 (18-A. Additional Canal Officers.- The State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint the canal officers of any neighbouring State to be Additional Canal Officers in any Sub Division, Division or Circle of the state and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties under this Act as may by specified in the notification.

• All other canal officers shall be subordinate to the Chief Engineer: • All canal officers in circle shall be subordinate to the Superintending Engineer: and • All canal officers in a division shall be subordinate to the Executive Engineer.

(2) A Canal Deputy Collector shall be subordinate to Executive Engineer of any division to which he is appointed (3) State Government may invest a Canal Deputy Collector with any or all of the powers of a Sub- divisional Officer under this Act, and may Invest a Sub-Divisional Officer with all or any of the powers of a Canal Deputy Collector. Section-21-22] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [9 1. Inserted vide MP Extension of Laws, Act 1958 (No. 23 of 1958)

(1) The Chief Engineer may. Subject to rules made under this Act divide a sub-division Into subordinate charges, may appoint canal subordinates to such charges, and may prescribe the duties of such subordinates. (2) All canal subordinates in sub-division shall be subordinate to the S sub-Divisional officer. (3) The State Government may, by notification, invest any canal subordinate with any of the powers of a canal officer, except a power to decide appeals. (4) The Chief Engineer may, subject to rules made under this Act, delegate to Superintending Engineers or to Executive Engineers any or all of his powers under this sub - section.

(2) In addition to the above, rules may be made under this Act prescribing generally the class of canal officer who is to perform any duty or exercise any power which under this Act, is to be performed or exercised by a canal officer. (3) When the class of canal officer who is to perform any duty or exercise any power under this Act is not prescribed under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), such duty shall be performed or such power exercised by the Sub divisional Officer. Section-23-] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [10

(1) Save as provided for in this Act and the rules made there under, no appeal shall lie from an order passed by a Commissioner, Collector, canal officer, Or canal subordinate. (2) The following appeals shall lie: (a) If an order under section 34 is passed by 8 Collector or canal officer, to the Commissioner; (b) If an order under section 38 is passed by a Canal officer subordinate to the Executive Engineer, to the Executive Engineer; (c) If an order under section 44 is passed by a canal officer, to the Collector; (d) If an order under section 47 is passed by a canal sub ordinate, to the Canal Deputy Collector Or Sub-Divisional Officer; and, if it is passed by a Canal Deputy Collector or Sub-Divisional Officer otherwise than On appeal, to the Executive Engineer; (e) If an order under section 56 is passed by a Superin tending Engineer, to the Chief Engineer; (f) If an order under sub-section (1) of section 62 is passed by a Collector, to the Commissioner; and (g) If an order under section 73 is passed by an Executive Engineer, to the Superintending Engineer. (3) No appeal shall lie Section-23] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [11 (a) To the Commissioner or Chief Engineer after the expiration of sixty days from the date of the order to which objection is made; or (b) To the Collector, Superintending Engineer or Executive Engineer after the expiration of thirty days from the date of the order to which objection is made; or (c) To the Canal Deputy Collector or Sub-Divisional officer, after the expiration of ten days from the date of the communication of the order to which objection is made: Provided that no appeal shall lie to the Collector against an order passed by an Executive Engineer under section 44 either after the expiration of thirty days from the date of such order or after the cutting of the crop for whose irrigation the water was supplied. (4) An appeal may be admitted after the period of limitation prescribed there for if the applicant satisfies appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within such period. (5) No appeal to a canal officer shall require to be stamped. (6) No legal practitioner shall be permitted to apear in any appeal under this Act or under the rules made there under except in appeals before the Commissioner. (7) Rules may be made under this Act providing for appeals from the orders of canal officers and canal subordinates regulating the procedure to be followed in such appeals, and prescribing periods of limitation there for. (8) Such rules may require that specified appeals or classes of appeals shall lie only to a specified revenue officer. Section-24-26] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [12

A Commissioner may, at any time, inquire into the propriety of any order passed by a Collector who Is sub-ordinate to him and any canal officer may, at any time, inquire into the propriety of any order passed by a canal officer or canal subordinate who Is subordinate to him, and may pass such order in reference thereto as he may think fit. Provided that he shall not reverse or vary any order so a to affect adversely the rights of any private person without having given to such person an Opportunity to be heard. [25. Canal Officers to have certain powers or Civil Court. - The canal officer conducting an enquiry in the discharge, of his duties under this Act, or the rules made there under shall have the power of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1901 (No. V of 1908), for the purposes of receiving evidence, administering oaths, enforcing the attendance of witness and compelling the discovery and production of documents and all such proceedings under this Act and the rules made there under shall b. deemed to be judicial Proceedings within the meaning Or section 228 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (No 48 of 1860),

All rights in the water of any river, natural stream or natural drainage channel, natural lake or other natural collection of water shall vest in the Government, except to the extent to which rights may have been acquired in water affected by a notification Published under section 27 prior to the publication of such notification 1. Section 25 is substituted by Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 19i3 (No. 42 of 1973) Vide Section 4 of the said Act Indian Easements Act, 1882 (No.5 of 1882), in the water of any river, natural stream or drainage channel, lake or other natural collection of water, any of whose waters will supply the canal when constructed.

projected canal. - When the state Government proposes to construct a canal it shall publish a notification declaring its intention and indicating the site of the head-works and thereupon no right shall be acquired against the Government under section 15 Or section 16 of the Indian Easements Act, 1882 (No.5 of 1882), in the water of any river, natural stream or drainage channel, lake or other natural collection of water, any of whose waters will supply the canal when constructed.

No rights shall be acquired against the Government under section 15 or Section 16 of the Indian Ease ments Act, 1882 (No.5 of 1882). In the water of any river, natural stream or natural drainage channel, lake or other natural collection of water, any of whose waters supply a canal existing or under construction at the commencement of this Act.

No rights shall be acquired against the Government, whether under section 15 or section [ (1-A) In determining the amount of such compensation, regard shall be had to the diminution In the market value, at the time of awarding compensation of the property in respect of which compensation is claimed and where such market value is not ascertainable the amount shall be reckoned at fifteen times the amount of diminution of the annual, net profits of such property, caused by the powers conferred by this Act. (2) Claims under this section may be enforced by application made to the Collector within one year from the reduction of the rent or revenue, or the diminution of the supply. (3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Collector under sub-section (2) may, within six months from the date of such decision, Institute a suit in a Civil court to have such decision set aside or modified. Indian Easements Act, 1882 (No.5 of 1882), in the water of any river, natural stream or drainage channel, lake or other natural collection of water, any of whose waters will supply the canal when constructed. 28. Bar of accrual of rights in water to the detriment of au existing canal.- No rights shall be acquired against the Government under section 15 or Section 16 of the Indian Ease ments Act, 1882 (No.5 of 1882). In the water of any river, natural stream or natural drainage channel, lake or other natural collection of water, any of whose waters supply a canal existing or under construction at the commencement of this Act. 29. Rights to supply of water from a canal. - No rights shall be acquired against the Government, whether under section 15 or section [ (1-A) In determining the amount of such compensation, regard shall be had to the diminution In the market value, at the time of awarding compensation of the property in respect of which compensation is claimed and where such market value is not ascertainable the amount shall be reckoned at fifteen times the amount of diminution of the annual, net profits of such property, caused by the powers conferred by this Act. (2) Claims under this section may be enforced by application made to the Collector within one year from the reduction of the rent or revenue, or the diminution of the supply. (3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Collector under sub-section (2) may, within six months from the date of such decision, Institute a suit in a Civil court to have such decision set aside or modified. Section-31] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [15 Chapter IV Construction and maintenance of Canals

(1) No claim for com-pensation shall lie against the Government for any damage arising from (a) The stoppage or diminution of the percolation or flow of water; or Section-30] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [14 (b) The deterioration of climate or soil; or (c) The stoppage of navigation, or of the means of drifting timber or watering cattle; Provided that compensation shall be payable where, as a result of the construction of a canal (i) The rent or revenue of any land has been reduced, or (ii) The supply of water to or from a tank or other con structed work has been diminished. 1 [ (1-A) In determining the amount of such compensation, regard shall be had to the diminution In the market value, at the time of awarding compensation of the property in respect of which compensation is claimed and where such market value is not ascertainable the amount shall be reckoned at fifteen times the amount of diminution of the annual, net profits of such property, caused by the powers conferred by this Act. (2) Claims under this section may be enforced by application made to the Collector within one year from the reduction of the rent or revenue, or the diminution of the supply. (3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Collector under sub-section (2) may, within six months from the date of such decision, Institute a suit in a Civil court to have such decision set aside or modified.

Any canal officer, or any person actin9 under the general or special order of a canal officer may :- (a) enter upon any lands adjacent to any canal Or water-Course or through which any canal or water-course is to be made, and undertake surveys or levels thereon; (b) dig and bore into the sub-soil; (c) Make and set up suitable land-marks, water-gauges and other apparatus; (d) Do all other acts necessary for the proper prosecution of any Inquiry relating to any existing Or projected canal or watercourse under the charge of the said canal officer; (e) Where otherwise such inquiry cannot be completed, cut down and clear away any part of any standing crop, fence or jungle; and (f) Enter upon any land or building for the purpose of Inspecting or regulating the use of the water supplied. Or of measuring the lands Irrigated thereby or chargeable with canal revenue and of doing all things necessary for the proper regulation and management of any canal: Section-31-32] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [16 Provided, that If such canal officer Or person proposes to enter into any building or any enclose' court attached to a dwelling house, he shall give the occupier of such building or court at least three days' notice in writing of his Intent/on to do so. (2) After entry under this section, the canal officer shall, before leaving, tender compensation for any damage which may have been caused by any Proceeding under the is section; and, in case of dispute as to the sufficiency of the amount so tendered, he shall refer the matter for decision by the Collector. Such decision shall be final, and no suit shall lie in a civil court to have it set aside or modified

In case of any accident happening or being apprehended to a canal. Any canal, officer or canal subordinate, or any person acting under his general or special orders In this behalf, may enter upon any lands adjacent to such canal, and may execute all works which may be necessary for the purpose of repairing or preventing such accident. (2) In every such case the Executive Engineer shall tender compensation to the proprietors or occupiers of the said lands for all damage caused thereto. If such tender is not accepted, the Executive Engineer shall refer the matter to the Collector and compensation for the damage shall be determined as though the State Government had directed the occupation of the land under part VI of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (No.1 of 1894) Section-33-35] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [17

Whenever it appears to the State Government that injury to any land or to the public health or public convenience has arisen or may arise from the obstruction of any river, stream or drainage channel it may, by notification published in the official Gazette, prohibit, within limits to be defined in such notification the formation of any obstruction, or may, within such limits, order the removal or modification of such obstruction.

(1) The Collector or any canal officer authorized by the State Government in this behalf may, after such publication, issue an order to the person causing or having control over such obstruction to remove or modify it within a time fixed in the order (2) If, within the time so fixed, such person does not comply with the order, the Collector or said' canal officer may remove or modify the obstruction, and the expenses incurred In such removal or modification shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

Section-35-36] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [18 (3) If at any time after the second of such inspections, five or more of the permanent holders of such lands apply to the Col-lector for the construction of further means of crossing, he shall cause an inquiry to be made and if he thinks that further means of crossing should be constructed, he shall forward his opinion to the State Government which shall cause such measure to be taken as it thinks proper; Provided that, if the local inhabitants deposit half the estimated cost of constructing such a means of crossing for the passage of traffic, the State Government shall cause it to be constructed, such crossing to be the property of the Government; and if the estimated c9st exceeds the actual cost, the State Government shall refund half the difference; Provided further that, if the Collector has once caused an inquiry to be made under this section, it shall not be necessary for him to cause a second inquiry to be made into the same matter. (4) No suit shall lie In a civil court against the Government to enforce the construction of a crossing of a canal, or to enforce the alteration of a crossing or for compensation for damage arising from the absence or inadequacy of any crossing or to modify or set aside any scheme framed or order passed under this section. Explanation.- Suitable means of crossing canals include means for the passage of the traffic and of water.

(1) Whenever It appears to the Executive Engineer, or to any Sub-Divisional Officer acting under his general or special orders in this behalf, that, unless Section-36] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [19 some work is immediately executed, such serious damage will happen or continue to any canal as is likely to cause or continue to cause serious public injury or serious interruption of the normal course of irrigation -and the labor necessary for the proper execution thereof cannot be obtained in the ordinary manner In time to prevent such Injury or Interruption or to remedy It within a reasonable time. -The Executive Engineer, or any Sub-Divisional Officer acting under the said orders, may, by public proclamation by beat of drum, require every permanent holder and occupier of irrigable land resident In any village within five miles (8 km) of the place where the work is to be executed, and every agricultural laborer employed by them, to attend In person at such place and to carry out such duties as may be allotted to them. (2) If, in the opinion of the Executive Engineer, or of any SubDivisional Officer acting under the said orders, the amount of labor likely to attend in pursuance of an order under sub section (1) is not sufficient, he may at any time In like manner and subject to the same conditions issue a like order requiring the attendance of all cultiva10rs or of all agricultural laborers or of both resident within five miles (8 km) of the place where the work is to be executed. (3) The rates of wages to be paid for such work shall not exceed those current in the neighborhood for similar work, and any person attending in compliance with the proclamation shall be paid for the whole period during which he is thereby prevented from following his ordinary occupation. (4) No person shall be required to carry out any duties under this section for which such person is unfit by reason of age, sex or bodily informity or social position Section-37-A] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [20 Chapter V The Supply of Water from Canals and Charges there for.

(1) Water may be supplied from a canal: (a) Under an irrigation agreement, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter VI; (b) On demand, for the irrigation of specified areas; (c) To supplement a village tank; (d) For Industrial urban or other purposes not connected with agriculture [(e) for the irrigation of a compulsorily assessed area. (2) Charges for the supply of water under clause (a), (b), (c) 2[or (e)] of sub-section (1) shall be paid at such 3{rates as may be fixed by the State Government in accordance with rules made under this Act. 37-A. Reduction or remission of charges for supply of water.Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or the rules made there under, the State Government may by notification, reduce or remit the whole or any part of the charges for the supply of water under subsection (1) of section 37. 1 & Section-37-B] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [21 [37-B. Submerging tank.- (1) The State Government may on an application made by not less than fifty percent of the permanent holders and occupiers of land in any particular area for construction of a submerging tank in that area, undertake the construction of such tank at the cost of the Government subject to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed. (2) Where the State Government undertakes to construct 8 submerging tank under sub-section (1), the terms and conditions prescribed under sub-section (1), shall be binding on all the permanent holders and occupiers of land likely to be covered by the submerging tank irrespective of the fact whether they are signatories to the application or not. (3) Where submerging tanks constructed and maintained by the State Government are in existence prior to the commencement of the Madhya Pradesh Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973, the terms and conditions prescribed under sub-section (1) shall be binding on all the permanent holders and occupiers of lands covered by the submerging tank. (4) The canal officer or any other officer authorized for execution for the purpose of this section shall during the period between 15th September and 1st October every year, in the presence of the permanent holders and occupiers or their representatives-in-interest 2. Section 37-B has been substituted vide Section 5 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973 (No. 4-2 of 1973). 3. Schedule of water rates approved by Gave may be seen at the end of this Act Section-37-39] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [22 mark out the land actually submerged under water of the submerging tank in the village map by a contour line and obtain signatures on the map of the permanent holders and occupiers or their representativein-interest present on the spot. (5) The permanent holders and occupiers of land within the contour line on the map shall be liable to pay water rate at such rates as may be determined by rules. 2. Inserted vide Section 3 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1945 (No. XI of 1945).

(a) Water may be Supplied from a canal at any time for the irrigation of specified areas at the discretion of the Executive Engineer. (2) Water supplied on demand shall be paid for according to the area actually irrigated. In determination of such area the decision of the Executive Engineer shall be final and shall not be modified or set aside by any civil court. The water-rates for such supply are called "demand rates". (3) Rules may be made under this Act regulating the procedure of canal officers In receiving application for water on demand, In supplying water on demand, and in assessing canal revenue.

(2) Rules may be made under this Act prescribing the conditions on which water may be supplied under this section and regulating the procedure of canal officers in giving such supply. Section-40-42] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [23

The conditions for the supply of water for industrial, urban or other purposes not connected with agriculture. And the charges there for, shall be as agreed upon between the State Government and the company, firm, private person or local body concerned and fixed in accordance with rules made under this Act. 4O-A. Supply of water to compulsorily assessed area. -(1) Water may be supplied from a canal at any time to Irrigate a compulsorily assessed area in accordance with the rules made under this Act. (2) Rules may be made under this act prescribing the conditions on which water may be supplied under this section, and regulating the procedure of canal officers in giving such supply. 41,Control or supply or water from outlets,-Water for the irrigation of land, Or to supplement village tanks, or for an industrial, urban or other purpose not connected with agriculture, may be taken only from such outlets as may determined from time to time by the EE for the special needs of such land, system or purpose.

Section-43-44] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [24

(1) Water is said to be used in an "unauthorized" manner when its use gives rise to, or may be expected to give rise to; benefits of any kind and (a) When it is allowed or caused to flow on to land, or into a village tank, or Into a private system of Irrigation, or into any system for the supply of water for an industrial, urban or other purpose not connected with agriculture, so that the owners or occupiers of such land Or system thereby obtain for such land Or system water to which they are not entitled under the Provisions of this Actor of the rules or of any agreement Or contract made there under; or (b) When It is taken from any canal, outlet or water-course in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act or of the rules made the rounder or of any order by a canal officer passed there under. (2) Water which Is allowed or caused to escape from a canal, water course or field In such a manner that no benefits arise from its consumption Is said to be "wasted".

(2) Rates for unauthorized use shall be payable by the occupiers of the land concerned: Provided that, If such occupiers can prove to the satisfaction of a canal officer that the unauthorized use was due to the act or omission of another person, the canal officer may levy such rates, or a portion thereof, from such other person. (3) When water is used In an authorized manner otherwise than on cultivated land, the Executive Engineer may make an estimate of the volume of water used, and may determine the persons responsible for such use and the persons who have been benefited thereby. Such water may be charged for al bulk rates to be prescribed from time to time by the State Government, and the charges shall be distributed among the persons responsible and the persons benefited by such use at the discretion of the Executive Engineer. (4) When water is wasted, the Executive Engineer may make an estimate of the volume of water wasted, and may determine the persons responsible for such wasted. Such water may be charged for al bulk rates to be prescribed from lime 10 time by the State Government and the charges shall be distributed among the persons responsible at the discretion of the Executive Engineer. (5) The levy of rates for unauthorized use or waste shall not bar a prosecution for any offence connected with such use or waste. (6) No suit shall lie in a civil court contesting any decision made by a canal officer under this section or by the Collector on appeal from such decision. (7) Rules may be made under this Act regulating the procedure of canal officers In imposing liability for, and In assessing, canal revenue payable under this section. [44-A. Discharged waste water to vest in State Government. - (1) All rights In the water discharged as waste water after its use for the purpose for which it was supplied under section 40 shall vest in the Government. (2) The use of waste water by any person other than the one who discharges such water after use shall be subject to payment of water rate at such rates as may be prescribed and such water rates shall be payable by the person utilizing such waste water. (44 - B. Water rate for utilization of drain out water from submerging tank. - The permanent holders and occupiers of land situated outside the boundary of a submerging tank who utilise water discharged from the sluice and escapes of the said tank for purpose of cultivation shall be liable to pay water rate at such rates as may be prescribed, 1,2,3. Section 44-A & 44-B inserted vide Section 6 and section 45 vide section 7 of 11. M.P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973 (No. 42 of 1973). Section-45-46] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [27 Chapter VI Irrigation Agreements [45. Power to make irrigation agreements. (1) Agreement may be made, between the State Government and the permanent holders of land for the supply of water for irrigation either for a short term not exceeding one year or for a long term exceeding one year, at such rates as may be fixed by the State Government, from time to time: Provided that, if the State Government considers It necessary 80 to do, short term agreement may also be made with occupiers of land, (2) Agreements made In accordance with sub section (1) are called "Irrigation Agreements" and the water rates payable there under are called ., agreement rates ", (3) The State Government may divide the State Into Zones for the purpose of short term agreements and long term agreements and may declare any area where for no agreements shall be made. (4) Agreements under this section shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter and the rules made there under.

(a) Shall be for the Irrigation of one or more specified crops. Which are called, “crops under agreement"; (b) Shall be made with the permanent holders of all irrigable land in a village, mahal or chak cultivated with he crops under agreement; and Section-46-47] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [28 (c) When duly made in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, shall be binding to the terms of the agreement, on the permanent holders and occupiers of (i) all irrigable land in the village, mahal or chak under cultivation with the crops under agreement at the time from which the agreement has effect or at any time during two years prior thereto, Provided that where a scheme of consolidation has been confirmed in respect of any land under the provisions of the Madhya Pradesh Consolidation of Holdings Act, 1928 (No.8 of 1928), the irri action agreements shall, from the year in which the permanent holders and occupiers, if any, are put into possession of the holdings: - (a) Be binding on the permanent holders and occupiers if any of all cultivable land newly received in exchange for land which has ceased to be under cultivation; and (b) Ceased to be binding on the permanent holders and occupiers, if any, at all land which has ceased to be under cultivation; (ii) All land described in sub-clause (i) together with such land as may be cultivated with the crops under agreement et any time during the period of the agreement.

Main incidents of irrigation agreements. -In addition to any incidents applying generally to liability for payment of water rates, all irrigation agreements shall be subject to the following incidents, namely: Section-47-48] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [29 (a) Canal revenue payable there under shall be payable (i) If the case falls under clause (c)(i) of sect/on 46 for every year on all land under agreement, whether it has been sown or not and irrigated or not, and (ii) If the case falls under clause (c)(ii) of section 46 for any year on all land under agreement, which has been sown that year with any of the crops under agreement, whether it has been irrigated or not; (b) The canal revenue payable on any land for any year shall be collected from the occupier or, on his default, from the permanent holder of such land; (c) At any time when the amount of water available is deficient, or when damage is anticipated to the canal if a lull discharge of water is delivered, its supply may be regulated in such manner, as the Executive Engineer may determine; (d) No claim shall arise against the Government for compensation for any loss arising tram a failure or shortage in the supply of water for Irrigation or from an excess of such supply: Provided that rules may be made under this Act providing for the remission of agreement rates where there has been a failure of crops or a failure to deliver water owing to a defect in the head-works or distribution system.

(1) Where the title of an occupier 01 Irrigable land who is not the permanent holder thereof Is such that it will lapse on or before the expiry 01 the agricultural year next following the date of an Section-48-50] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [30 irrigation agreement applicable to such land, the consent of the permanent holder to such agreement shall be binding on such occupier in respect of such land. (2) Where the title 01 an occupier of irrigable land, who is not the permanent holder thereof, is such that it will continue after the expiry of the agricultural year next following the date of an Irrigation agreement applicable to such land, the consent of such occupier shall be necessary to the validity of the consent of the permanent holder.

(1) Where land Is held jointly by two or more cosharers In the proprietary right of a village, the consent of the lambardar or lambardar gumashta appointed for such land under '[section 187 of the Central Provinces land Revenue Act, 1917 (No 2 1917)] shall be binding on every co-sharer in respect of such land if he has received notice of the proposed agreement and has failed, within a week from the receipt of notice to lodge an objection in writing with the canal officer, taking the agreement. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained In sub-section (1) when cosharers holding not less than two thirds of the Interest in land held jointly by two or more co-sharers in the proprietary right of a village or mahal have given their consent to a proposed agreement in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. the consent of the cosharers holding the remaining interest shall be deemed to have been given.

Where land is held by a proprietor of a village who does not reside in the village, the consent of the lambardar or lambardar- Section-50-52] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [31 gumashta appointed for such land under '[section 187 of the Central Provinces land Revenue Act, 1917 (2 of 1917)] shall be binding on such proprietor in respect of such land, H after receiving notice of the proposed agreement he fails, within a week from the receipt of notice, to lodge en objection in writing with the canal officer taking the agreement.

Provided that no agreement for a mahal Or chak shall be accepted without the general or special consent of the State Government or of a canal officer specially authorized In this behalf by the Government.

(1) The provisions of section 49, 50 and 51 shall not apply unless a notice has been published in the village concerned by a canal officer that he proposes to take an irrigation agreement In that village. 1. This Act is repealed. M.P. Land Revenue Code 1959 may now be seen. Section-52-55] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [32 (2) Such notice shall be posted in writing in some prominent place in the village and shall be proclaimed by beat of drum at least fourteen clear days before the agreement is finally made.

The permanent holder of wet land which is commanded by a canal my apply to a canal officer to have his wet land Included In an irrigation agreement relating to the village, mahal or chak in wich such land Is situated, and, if his application is granted, he shall be entitled to the supply of water in accordance with the terms of such agreement, but with such deduction if any from the agreement rates as may be prescribed by rules made under this Act.

The permanent holder of land which is not commanded but is capable of being irrigated from a canal-or water course by means of any mechanical contrivance designed to lift the water therein, may apply to a canal officer to have such land Included in an irrigation agreement, and, if his application is granted, he shall be entitled to the supply of water in accordance with the terms of such agreement, in so far as they may be applicable, but with such deduction, If any, from the agreement rates as may be prescribed by rules made under this Act.

(1) An irrgation agreement may be cancelled by mutual consent between the State Government and the Permanent holders of not less than two- thirds of, or not less than 95 percent of the permanent holders of, the land under agreement at the time of such cancellation. Section-55-57] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [33 (2) The provisions of sections 48, 49, 50, 51 and 52 shall apply to the cancellation of an irrgation agreement as if consent to the cancellation were consent to the making of such agreement.

The Superintending Engineer may, at any time, after giving notice, cancel an irrigation agreement If, in his opinion, the permanent holders and occupiers bound thereby persistently fail to maintain their water Courses in proper repair. (2) An order by the Superintending Engineer under this section shall be in writing, and shall be published in the village concerned by beat of drum. (3) Thereupon the Irrigation agreement shall cease to have effect, and no suit shall lie In a civil court contesting the validity of the Superintending Engineer's order or making any claim whatsoever against the Government by reason of such cancellaticn.

(2) Rules may be made under this Act regulating the distribution among permanent holders and occupiers, of the damages payable by Section-57-58] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [34 the Government, and regulating the procedure of canal officers in making such distribution. (3) When damages have been distributed and paid or tendered In accordance with the provisions of this section and the rules made there under, no suit shall lie in a Civil Court contesting the validity of the cancellation, or making any claim whatsoever against the Government by reason of such cancellation.

In addition to any rules for which provision is made in this Chapter, rules may be made under this Act.a) Prescribing the periods and the crops for which Irrigation agreement may be made; (b) Prescribing the forms of Irrigation agreements, and providing for the inclusion therein of incidents and conditions in addition to but consistent with those contained In this act and (c) regulating the procedure of canal officer in Carrying out their duties under this Chapte Section-58 A,C] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [35 [Chapter- VI-A Betterment Contribution [58-A. Definition of" new canal" and "commanded area”. For the purposes of this Chapter – (a) The expression II new canal" means (i) A canal, the construction of which has been under taken on or after the 1st April, 1951; or (ii) Such existing canal, the improvement or extension of which has been undertaken on or after the said date; And the cost of construction or improvement or extension. as the case may be. Where of Is 5 lakhs of rupees or more or which has an irrigable capacity of one thousand acres or more; and which has been notified as a new canal by the State Government; (b) "Commanded area" in relation to a new canal means the area Comprising of all land which may be irrigated from that canal by the flow of water under gravity and without the need of lifting or pumping the water; Provided that in relation to a new canal provided by improving Or extending an existing canal, the area which was being irrigated already by such existing canal shall be deemed not to have been comprised In the commanded area. 1. Chapter inserted vide M P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act) 1960 (No. 23 of 1960). [58-B. Deleted. [58-C. Levy of betterment contribution.- (1) As from such date as the State Government may, by notification, appoint, such date being not earlier than three years from the commencement of the operation of a new canal, there shall be levied on every permanent holder of land, whose land is situated within the commanded area, betterment contribution at the following rates (a) Rs. 140/- per acre, payable in one lump sum; or (b) Rs. 224/- per acre payable consecutively for twenty years, excluding the years in which recovery there may be postponed by the State Government in accordance with section 58-I, as under: (i) Rs. 8/- per acre per year for the first five years; (ii) Rs. 12 per acre per year for the next fourteen, years; (iii) Rs. 16 per acre for the twentieth year. (2) The betterment contribution levied under sub-section (1) may, at the option of the permanent holder, be paid by him in one lump sum within three months from the date appointed under sub-section (1) or in twenty annual installments, the first installment being payable within two months from the date appointed under sub-section (1) and the subsequent annual' instilments being payable within one month from the dale on which they would fall due for payment in each subsequent Years; Provided that if the permanent holder who has undertaken to pay the betterment contribution In annual installment desires, at any time after the payment of the first or subsequent 3. 4. section 58.A & 58.C substituted and section 58-B deleted vide :M.P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1968 (No. 13 of 1968). Betterment contribution shall be levied from lst Jany 19R3 vide Irrigation Deptt. Notification No. F/2917B/78! MM/39 dated 31-3-83. Installment, to make payment. In one lump sum, he shall be required to pay Per acre in full the amount equal to the difference between Rs.1401 together with interest thereon calculated at the rate of 4.5 percent per annum for the period from the date appointed under sub- section (1) till the date of such payment in lump sum and the amount already paid by him by way of such Installments. (3) Any Installment of betterment contribution or part thereof which remains unpaid On the expiry of the period under sub-section (2) shall with effect from the date on which such period expires, carry interest all the rate of 6 percent per annum. Provided that when the recovery of any installments is postponed under section 58-I, such installments shall not be deemed to be remaining unpaid for the purpose of this sub-section during which the recovery thereof remains postponed. (4) If the State Government is satisfied that the levy of betterment contribution is likely to cause hardship to any permanent holder or class of such holders In any commanded area, the State Government may, by notification, exempt such holder or such class of holders In such area from payment of the amount of betterment Contribution in whole Or in part as may be Specified in the notification, Subject to such terms and conditions If any, as the State Government may deem fit to impose. Explanation.- For the purposes of sub-section (4), the levy of betterment Contribution shall be deemed to cause hardship, if (i) as a result of new canal, the price of land situated in a commanded area has not risen by more than fifty per centum over the prices prevailing prior to availability of Irrigation facilities from such canal; Section-58 D] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [38 (ii) The permanent holder who having already constructed Private irrigation Work, prior to the commencement of the new canal, On his land does not desire to avail of the irrigation facilities from such new canal. [58-D. Notification of command area by State Government. Before appointing the date under sub-section (1) of section 58-C from which betterment contribution shall be levied the State Government shall issue a notification (i) Specifying the commanded area defining the boundaries thereof; (ii) Appointing the place or places at which the particulars of holding of permanent holders whose lands are situated in the commanded area Specified in clause (i) can be seen; (iii) Appointing a Revenue Officer not below the rank of a SubDivisional Officer (hereinafter referred to as the Authorized Officer) who shall enquire into and determine the amount of betterment Contribution payable by each permanent holder; and (iv) Specifying a date not less than three months from the date of the Publication of such notification and requiring every permanent holder in the said area who objects to the inclusion of any land within the commanded area or to the correctness of any particulars regarding his holding to present to the Authorized Officer a written objection on or before such date, stating the nature of his objection and the relief sought by him. 1. Section 58-D substituted vide section 4 of M.P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1968 (No. 13 of 1968). Section-58 E,H] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [39 [58-E. Proclamation by Authorized Officer. - The Authorized Officer shall, as Soon as may be, after the Issue of the noti1ication, cause to be published in the regional language of the commanded area a notice of the issue of such notification by beat of drum and also by affixing copies of the notice at conspicuous places in all villages in the commanded area specified in the notification issued under section 58-D. Such notice shall also state the time and place at which the Authorized Officer shall enquire into the objections preferred under section 58-D. [58-F. Inquiry by Authorized Officer. - The Authorized Officer shall, at the place stated in the notice under section 58-E, make such enquiry into the objections preferred under section 58-0 as may appear necessary and after giving an opportunity of being heard to the permanent holder preferring an objection. pass such orders thereon as he may think fit. [58-G. Powers of Authorized Officer.- For the purposes of section 58-F, the Authorized Officer shall exercise the powers conferred on revenue Officer of his grade and follow the procedure laid down, for the purpose in the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959 (No, 20 of 1959), and the rules made there under, [58-H. Determination of Betterment contribution payable by holders.- (1) After the objections, if any. preferred under section 58-0 have been disposed of, the Authorized Officer shall make an order specifying 1-4. Section 58-e. 58-f. 58-G and 58-h substituted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act. 1968 (No. 13 of 1968). Section-58] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [40 (a) The lands (with Khasra Nos. and area) commanded by the new canal; (b) The betterment contribution payable by each permanent holder in respect of the land specified under (a) above. (2) The order shall be notified in the prescribed manner, and a copy thereof shall be placed for public inspection at such place or places and for such time as may be prescribed. [58-H.H. Appeal- An appeal shall lie against every order passed under section 58.H to the authority competent to the Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959 (No.20 of 1959), from and officer of the same grade under the said Code and the provisions of sub-section (2) of the said section shall thereon apply accordingly; Provided that no appeal shall be entertained unless (i) In the case of first appeal, it is flied within 60 days from the date of the order appealed against; and (ii) In the case of second appeal, it is filed within 90 days from the date of the order appealed against: Provided further that (i) In computing the period aforesaid, the time requisite for obtaining a copy of the order appealed Against shall be excluded; and (ii) the provisions of section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963 (No.36 of 1963), shall apply to such appeals. 1. Section 58-H.B inserted vides M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1968 (No. 13 of 1968 Section-58-H,K] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [41 58-H.H.H. Finality of Award.-Subject to the orders passed In appeals under section 58-H.H. the order made under section 58.Hshall be final. 58-1. Suspension of payment of installment. - When the total land revenue or rent, as the case may be, payable by the permanent holder In respect of any land for which he Is liable to pay betterment contribution is Suspended in any Year, the State Government may, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained In this Chapter or rules made there under postpone for such period as it thanks fit the recovery of any installment of betterment contribution. 58-J. Betterment Contribution to be recoverable as arrears of land revenue. - (1) The betterment contribution under this chapter shall be payable to the Revenue Officers in the same manner as land revenue and in default of payment, it shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue. (2) The amount of betterment contribution realised shall be credited as State Revenue under such head as may be prescribed. 58-K. Power to make Rules. - Rules may be made for the Purpose of carrying out the purposes of this chapter but in the absence of any rules so made the rules framed under Section 63 shall, so for as may apply in this behalf. Section-58-L,M] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [42 Chapter-VI-B Irrigation Cess 58-L. Levy of Irrigation cess- In addition to the water rates or other charges Or levy leviable under the provisions of this Act, there shall be levied in respect of land under irrigable command of a canal, a cess called the irrigation cess at such rate and for such period as may be fixed by the State Government by notification: Provided that having regard to the Potentiality of perennial or seasonal Supply of water from a canal different rate may be fixed for different canals. (2) The irrigation cess shall be payable by every Permanent holder or occupier of land in the irrigable command of the canal. 58-M. Subject to the rules made under this Act, the State Government may, by notification reduce or remit the whole Or any part of the irrigation cess levied under section 58-L 1. This Chapter has- been added vide, section B of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1973 (No. 42 of 1973). Section-59,62] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [43 Chapter VII Collection of Canal Revenue

(1) Canal revenue payable under an irrigation agreement or for the supply of water on demand, Or for the supply of water to supplement a village tank, or for the supply of water to a compulsorily assessed area shall fall due On such dates as may be prescribed In this behalf by rules made under this Act. (2) Canal revenue payable for the supply of water for industrial, urban or other purposes not connected with agriculture, shall fall due on the dates specified in the agreement relating thereto. (3) Canal revenue payable for the unauthorized Use of, or for the waste of, water shall fall due on the dates on which demand is made for the payment thereof.

Any sum payable as canal revenue which remained unpaid on the day following the date on which it is due is an arrear of canal revenue.

Arrears of canal revenue shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

1[(1) In accordance with the rules made under this Act, an Irrigation Panchayat shall be established for every village or chak. and at the discretion of the Collector, for a group of villages in the commanded area of canal. Such Panchayats shall consist of a sarpanch and two or more members elected by the permanent holders and occupiers of the land from among themselves. Section-62] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [44 Such election shall be subject to the approval of the Collector, who shall have Power to nominate one member to any Panchayat, and for reasons to be recorded in writing, to dismiss any member and to dissolve any Panchayat subject to an appeal to the Commissioner. (2) Irrigation Panchayats shall 2 [(a) Deleted (b) Assist the officers of the Irrigation Department in arranging for the construction of water-courses, in recording and checking irrigation, and in making measurements and settling disputes; (c) Collect irrigation revenue and remit it to the treasury; and (d) Arrange for the repair of water-courses. 1(3) Irrigation Panchayat shall have power to accept from any person, against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he has committed an offence specified in rules made under this Act, a sum not exceeding fifty rupees for composition of such offence. (4) Money collected by a Panchayat under sub-section (3) Shall be expended by the Panchayat, subject to the control of the Collector for any work of public utility in the village. (5) A member of such Panchayat shall be deemed to be a public servant for the Purposes of the Indian Penal Code. 1. Sub-section 1 of Section 62, Substituted vide Section 9 (a) of M.P. irrigation (Amendment) ACI. 1973 (No. 45 of 1973). 2. Sub-section 2 (a) of Section 62 deleted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act.1950 (No. 50 of 1950). Section-63,64] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1631 [45

Rules may be made under this Act regulating the Procedure of canal officers and canal subordinates in assessing canal revenue and in applying to the revenue officers for collection of arrears of canal revenue and the Procedure of revenue officers in collecting canal revenue.

All Sums due to the Government for the right to cut grass, to graze cattie, to fish, to cultivate land, Or to do other acts on land or in water under the charge of the Irrigation Department shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue: Sub-section (3) of Section 62,substituted vide Section 9 (b) of M.P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act,1973 (No.42 of 1973). Section-65,66] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [46 Chapter VIII Construction and Maintenance of Water Courses

Contracts may be made in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter where by the Government undertakes to construct water-courses and to bear the cost of construction and the permanent holders of Irrigable land undertake to maintain them and to bear the cost of maintenance Such contracts are called "water Course contracts".

(a) Shall relate to the construction of water-courses the irrigation of all irrigable land in a village, mahal chak cultivated with one or more specified crops; a (b) Shall be made with the permanent holders of all such land in a village mahal or chak; Provided that, when not less than one-half of such permanent holders, holding not less than two-thirds of all such land, have given their consent to a water-course contract in accordance with provisions of this Chapter, the proposed contract, if accept, by Government shall be deemed to be a water Course contra made with the permanent holders of all irrigable land in the village Mahal or chak cultivated with such crop Or crops. Section-67,68] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [47

The provisions of section 48, 49, 50 and 52 shall apply to water-course contracts as if sue Contracts had been irrigation agreements.

Water-courses constructed under a water-course contract shall the property of the Government. [68. A Constructions of water-courses for irrigating compulsorily assessed area.- Water-course may be constructed by the State Government for the irrigation of a compulsorily assessed area. Such water-courses shall be the property of the, Government. But the permanent holders of land comprised in the compulsorily assessed area for tho shall maintain them Irrigation of which they are constructed and by such other permanent holders as may actually make use of them for irrigation purposes. 68-B. Construction of water-Course for irrigating any chak. Where in a chak not less than half a mile long Or 80 acres in area, the State Government considers it expedient to construct water-courses it may, notwithstanding anything in section 66, construct such watercourse for such chak. (2) Water-course constructed under sub-section (1) shall be the Property of the Government, but they shall be maintained by the permanent holders of the chak for the irrigation of which such water Courses are constructed and by such other permanent holders as may actually make use of them for irrigation purposes, 1. Section 68.A inserted vide Section 7 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1945 (No. 11 of 1945). Section-69,71] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [48

Subject to the provisions of section 68-A or section 68-6 the irrigation Panchayat shall, in accordance with the rules made under this Act, be responsible for the proper maintenance of all watercourses constructed for the village and may call upon the permanent holders and occupiers of all land whether under an agreement Or within a compulsorily assessed area which is ordinarily Irrigated or may be irrigated through a water-course to render assistance in maintaining it, and in case of default to pay such sums as may be assessed by the Executive Engineer.

Notwithstanding anything contained in the tore

(t) A water-course constructed under section 68-A or section 68-6 or section 70 shall be deemed to be an improvement affecting all the land for whose irrigation the water course was constructed, within the meaning of clauses (5) section 2 of the Central Provinces Tenancy Act, 1920 (No.1 Section-71,73] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [49 of 1920). (2) When any village servant, who has entered into a watercourse contract in respect of any land in his village service holding, acquires the right of an occupancy tenant under the provisions of section 48 of the Central Provinces Tenancy Act, 1920, he shall be deemed to have held the rights of an occupancy tenant under section 52 of the said Act at the time he entered into the contract.

Where the State Government has constructed watercourse in a raiyatwari village, it may require ralyats holding irrigable land in that village to maintain such water-course when, in the opinion of the State Government, such raiyats are in a position to do so.

If at any time the Executive Engineer considers that a water-course, which has been constructed under agreement '[or under section 68-A] 2[or section 68B] or which the ralyats in raiyatwari village have been required to maintain, is not in proper repair: (a) he may, by public proclamation in the village, require that the repairs be made to his satification on Or before a specified date; and (b) if the repairs are not made to his satisfaction by such date, he may stop the supply of water to the water-course; Or (c) he may cause the repairs to be made and may collect a sum not exceeding twice the cost there of from the permanent holders or occupiers in proportion to the areas held by them in the land which is ordinarily irrigated Or may be irrigated under an agreement through such water-course: Section-74,75] M. P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [50 [Provided that where a village, mahal or chak has ceased to be under an agreement or any area has ceased to be compulsorily assessed to water-rate, the State Government shall not require the maintenance of water Courses therein until such village, mahal or chak again comes under agreement or such area is again compulsorily assessed.

All sums recoverable by the State Government under any of the provisions 01 this chapter or recoverable by Irrigation panchayats under section 69 may be recovered as arrears of land revenue. 75, Powers to make rules.-Rules be made under this Act (a) prescribing the forms of water-course contracts; (b) Regulating the procedure of canal officers in discharging their duties under this Chapter; (bb) determining under section 68-B the liability of permanent holders and the manner in which it shall be discharged; (c) Prescribing the liabilities 01 permanent holders and occupiers of land under section 69 ; and (d) prescribing the circumstances in which the assessment in a compulsorily assessed area may be cancelled. 1-3. Inserted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1975 (No. II of 1945). Section-75-A,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [51 Chapter VIII-A Construction and Maintenance of Field Channels 75-A. Power to apply provison8 of this Chapter. – The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to such area and from such date as the State Government may. by notification, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different areas. 75-B. Power to require permanent holders & occupiers to construct or dig field channels. – 2. Inserted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1949 (No. 25 of 1949). (1) If the executive Engineer considers It expedient Or necessary in the interests of the general public that any Permanent holder or occupier of irrigable land in a chak should construct or dig a field channel either singly Or jointly with other holders or occupiers of such land, he may by a notice, call upon the permanent holders or Occupiers concerned to show cause by a date not earlier than three weeks after the date of the issue of the notice to be specified therein as to why they should not be required to undertake the work specified in the notice. (2) The notice under sub-section (1) shall state the place where the plans and specifications of the work as approved by Executive Engineer may be inspected and shall be in such form as may be prescribed. 1. Chapter VIII-A has been added, -vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act) 1960 (No. 23 of 1960). Section-75,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [52 (3) Any permanent holder Or occupier on whom a notice is served under sub-section (1), namely may- (i) prefer an objection in writing before the date specified in the notice: (ii) If he desires to be heard in person, appear before the Executive Engineer on such date; (iii) State, whether he would execute the work himself or would prefer it to be executed at his cost by the State Government. (4) The Executive Engineer shall, after considering the objections that may be received, hearing the persons as may appear before him, and such further enquiry as he may deem necessary, pass orders specifying therein; (i) The nature of the work to be undertaken; (ii) The names of the permanent holders or occupiers required to undertake the work; (iii) The period within which the work should be completed; Provided that where not less than half of the permanent holders and occupiers on whom a notice Is served under sub-section (1) have expressed their willingness for the work being undertaken at their cost by the State Government, the Executive Engineer may undertake the work and if so, the order shall state accordingly. (5) A copy of the order under sub-section (4) shall be served upon every permanent holder or occupier to whom it relates and shall be published in such other manner as the Executive Engineer may deem fit. Section-75 B,D] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [53 (6) Any person aggrieved by the order of the Executive Engineer mav prefer an appeal to the Collector within 30 days from the date of the order and the provisions of sub-sections (4) and (6) of section 23 shall apply to such appeals. Subject to the decision in the appeal the order of the Executive Engineer under sub-section (4) shall be final. (7) No appeal under sub-section (6) shall require to be stamped. 75-C. Apportionment and recovery of expense. Where work undertaken by Executive Engineer. - Where the work is undertaken by the Executive Engineer in pursuance of the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 75-6, he shall apportion and recover the expenses incurred in execution of the work in the manner laid down In sub-section (4) of section 75-D.

(1) Unless the Executive Engineer has, in pursuance of the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 75-6, undertaken to execute the work, every permanent holder or occupier who is required to undertake the work under the said sub-section shall, subject to orders of the Collector in appeal, if any, undertake and complete the work in accordance with the order as passed by the Executive Engineer. (2) If out of the permanent holders Or occupiers named in the order, the work is undertaken and completed by some of them they shall on completion of the same report the matter to the Executive Engineer stating therein the total expenses incurred in the execution of the work and the contribution of each towards the expenses so incurred. Section-75-D,E] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [54 (3) On receipt of the report under sub-section (2) the Executive Engineer shall in the prescribed manner apportion the expenses amongst the persons named In the final order under section 75-B with due regard to the benefit likely to be derived by each of them from the work. If any person fails to pay his contribution towards the expenses as determined by the Executive Engineer, within the time specified in the order, the amount of such contribution shall be recoverable from him as an arrear of canal revenue. The amount so recovered shall be distributed amongst the persons to whom it is due. (4) If the work is not undertaken or is not completed within the period specified for the completion of such work Or is not executed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, the Executive Engineer may cause the work to be undertaken, completed or properly executed at the expense of the permanent holders or occupiers concerned, and where two or more persons were required so to undertake the work, shall apportion the expenses incurred in doing so among such persons, in such manner as may be prescribed with due regard to the benefit which each of them is likely to derive from the work. If any person fails to pay his contribution towards the expenses as determined by the Executive Engineer within the time specified in the order, the amount of such contribution shall be recoverable from him as an arrear of canal revenue. 75-E. Maintenance of field Channels.-(1) Every permanent holder and occupier of land receiving supply of water from a field channel constructed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall. ( i) maintain It In a fit state of repairs; Section-75-E,F] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [55 (ii) Allow the use of it to any person entitled to take water there from; (iii) Construct and maintain all works necessary for the passage across such field channel and for affording proper communications across it for the convenience of the permanent holders and occupiers of the neighboring land. (2) If the Executive Engineer finds that any field channel is not maintained In a fit state of repairs or any work required to be Constructed or maintained under clause (iii) of sub-section (1) is not so constructed or maintained, he may, after such notice as may be, prescribed to the permanent holder and occupier concerned, cause the field channel to be repaired or other works to be constructed or maintained at the cost of such permanent holder and occupier. (3) The expenses incurred by the Executive Engineer under sub- section (2) shall be recoverable as an arrear of canal revenue from the permanent holders Or occupiers required to construct or dig field channel under section 75-8 in such proportion as the Executive Engineer may determine, in accordance with rules framed under this Chapter. 75-F. Obstruction or interference With water flowing in field channel prohibited in certain cases, - (1) No person shall except in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed. Do anything which obstruct or interferes or is likely to obstruct or interfere with the flow of water in any field channel. (2) It any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six Section-75-F,H] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [56 months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees Or with both. 75.G. Bar of suits and proceedings. - (1) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government, at the instance of any person: (a) In respect of any act done or purporting to be done under this Chapter: or (b) on the ground that any field channel interferes or is likely to interfere with his rights in any manner. (2) No suit, prosecution Or other legal proceeding shall lie against any officer Or servant of the government for anything which is in good faith done Or intended to be done in Pursuance of the provision of this Chapter or any rule made there under. 75-H, Power to make rules - The Government may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Chapter Section-75-A,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [51 Chapter VIII-A Construction and Maintenance of Field Channels 75-A. Power to apply provison8 of this Chapter. – The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to such area and from such date as the State Government may. by notification, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different areas. 75-B. Power to require permanent holders & occupiers to construct or dig field channels. – (1) If the executive Engineer considers It expedient Or necessary in the interests of the general public that any Permanent holder or occupier of irrigable land in a chak should construct or dig a field channel either singly Or jointly with other holders or occupiers of such land, he may by a notice, call upon the permanent holders or Occupiers concerned to show cause by a date not earlier than three weeks after the date of the issue of the notice to be specified therein as to why they should not be required to undertake the work specified in the notice. (2) The notice under sub-section (1) shall state the place where the plans and specifications of the work as approved by Executive Engineer may be inspected and shall be in such form as may be prescribed. 1. Chapter VIII-A has been added, -vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act) 1960 (No. 23 of 1960). Section-75,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [52 (3) Any permanent holder Or occupier on whom a notice is served under sub-section (1), namely may- (i) prefer an objection in writing before the date specified in the notice: (ii) If he desires to be heard in person, appear before the Executive Engineer on such date; (iii) State, whether he would execute the work himself or would prefer it to be executed at his cost by the State Government. (4) The Executive Engineer shall, after considering the objections that may be received, hearing the persons as may appear before him, and such further enquiry as he may deem necessary, pass orders specifying therein; (i) The nature of the work to be undertaken; (ii) The names of the permanent holders or occupiers required to undertake the work; (iii) The period within which the work should be completed; Provided that where not less than half of the permanent holders and occupiers on whom a notice Is served under sub-section (1) have expressed their willingness for the work being undertaken at their cost by the State Government, the Executive Engineer may undertake the work and if so, the order shall state accordingly. (5) A copy of the order under sub-section (4) shall be served upon every permanent holder or occupier to whom it relates and shall be published in such other manner as the Executive Engineer may deem fit. Section-75 B,D] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [53 (6) Any person aggrieved by the order of the Executive Engineer mav prefer an appeal to the Collector within 30 days from the date of the order and the provisions of sub-sections (4) and (6) of section 23 shall apply to such appeals. Subject to the decision in the appeal the order of the Executive Engineer under sub-section (4) shall be final. (7) No appeal under sub-section (6) shall require to be stamped. 75-C. Apportionment and recovery of expense. Where work undertaken by Executive Engineer. - Where the work is undertaken by the Executive Engineer in pursuance of the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 75-6, he shall apportion and recover the expenses incurred in execution of the work in the manner laid down In sub-section (4) of section 75-D. 75.D Permanent holder or occupier to comply with the order of Executive Engineer. - (1) Unless the Executive Engineer has, in pursuance of the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 75-6, undertaken to execute the work, every permanent holder or occupier who is required to undertake the work under the said sub-section shall, subject to orders of the Collector in appeal, if any, undertake and complete the work in accordance with the order as passed by the Executive Engineer. (2) If out of the permanent holders Or occupiers named in the order, the work is undertaken and completed by some of them they shall on completion of the same report the matter to the Executive Engineer stating therein the total expenses incurred in the execution of the work and the contribution of each towards the expenses so incurred. Section-75-D,E] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [54 (3) On receipt of the report under sub-section (2) the Executive Engineer shall in the prescribed manner apportion the expenses amongst the persons named In the final order under section 75-B with due regard to the benefit likely to be derived by each of them from the work. If any person fails to pay his contribution towards the expenses as determined by the Executive Engineer, within the time specified in the order, the amount of such contribution shall be recoverable from him as an arrear of canal revenue. The amount so recovered shall be distributed amongst the persons to whom it is due. (4) If the work is not undertaken or is not completed within the period specified for the completion of such work Or is not executed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications, the Executive Engineer may cause the work to be undertaken, completed or properly executed at the expense of the permanent holders or occupiers concerned, and where two or more persons were required so to undertake the work, shall apportion the expenses incurred in doing so among such persons, in such manner as may be prescribed with due regard to the benefit which each of them is likely to derive from the work. If any person fails to pay his contribution towards the expenses as determined by the Executive Engineer within the time specified in the order, the amount of such contribution shall be recoverable from him as an arrear of canal revenue. 75-E. Maintenance of field Channels.-(1) Every permanent holder and occupier of land receiving supply of water from a field channel constructed in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter shall. ( i) maintain It In a fit state of repairs; Section-75-E,F] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [55 (ii) Allow the use of it to any person entitled to take water there from; (iii) Construct and maintain all works necessary for the passage across such field channel and for affording proper communications across it for the convenience of the permanent holders and occupiers of the neighboring land. (2) If the Executive Engineer finds that any field channel is not maintained In a fit state of repairs or any work required to be Constructed or maintained under clause (iii) of sub-section (1) is not so constructed or maintained, he may, after such notice as may be, prescribed to the permanent holder and occupier concerned, cause the field channel to be repaired or other works to be constructed or maintained at the cost of such permanent holder and occupier. (3) The expenses incurred by the Executive Engineer under subsection (2) shall be recoverable as an arrear of canal revenue from the permanent holders Or occupiers required to construct or dig field channel under section 75-8 in such proportion as the Executive Engineer may determine, in accordance with rules framed under this Chapter. 75-F. Obstruction or interference With water flowing in field channel prohibited in certain cases, - (1) No person shall except in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed. Do anything which obstruct or interferes or is likely to obstruct or interfere with the flow of water in any field channel. (2) It any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six Section-75-F,H] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [56 months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees Or with both. 75.G. Bar of suits and proceedings. - (1) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government, at the instance of any person: (a) In respect of any act done or purporting to be done under this Chapter: or (b) on the ground that any field channel interferes or is likely to interfere with his rights in any manner. (2) No suit, prosecution Or other legal proceeding shall lie against any officer Or servant of the government for anything which is in good faith done Or intended to be done in Pursuance of the provision of this Chapter or any rule made there under. 75-H, Power to make rules - The Government may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Chapter Chapter IX Construction and Maintenance of Private Irrigation Works

Subject to rules made under this Act. The State Government may make a grant or loan of money to a permanent holder towards the cost of the construction or improvement of a private Irrigation work. 76-A. Grant of permission to permanent holder to construct dam etc., in any river, natural stream etc. - (1) Any permanent holder designing to construct a dam or any other work of similar nature in any river, natural stream, natural drainage channel, lake or other naturl1l collection of water as part of a private irrigation work or a grant in aid Irrigation work, may apply In writing in the prescribed form to the State Government through the Collector for such permission to construct such dam or work. (2) If after making such Inquiry as the Collector thinks lit, he is satisfied that application is in order, he shall call public notice of such application to be given at convenient places in the village and to publish in such newspapers as he considers necessary. (3) Such notice shall state the prescribed particulars and shall require all persons having interest in such waters to appear personally or by agent before the Collector at any time and place therein mentioned (such time not being earlier than thirty days after the date of publication of notice), and to state the nature of the respective interest in the water In respect of which permission is sought and objection, if any. The Collector may in any case require such statement to be made in writing and signed by the party or his agent. (4) On the day so fixed or on any other day to which the enquiry may be adjourned, the Collector shall enquire into the respective interests of the persons who appear before him and the objections made to grant of permission if any. (5) After completing such enquiry, Collector shall forward to the State Government the application together with the papers of the Inquiry and his report. The State Government may, thereupon either refuse the application or grant the necessary permission in the prescribed form subject to such conditions, as it may deem fit Including the condition: where necessary regarding payment to the person who In It opinion of the State Government Is entitled to it, for the water likely to be appropriated by the permanent holder at are not exceeding the rate which the permanent holder would ha' been required to pay If the same quantity of water had similar circumstances been given to the permanent holder fro any canal maintained by Government. (6) The decision of the State Government, granting refusing such application or imposing conditions including t conditions regarding the rate at which payment for water like, to be appropriated by the permanent holder is to be ma shall be final and conclusive. (7) Where the State Government decides to Impose condition regarding payment for the water likely to be appropriated by the permanent holder, the payment of the amount. fixed under such condition to the person declared by , State Government to be entitled to it shall be a full discharge of the State Government and the permanent holder from liability In respect of such payment, but shall not prejudice, rights in respect of the right to receive such payment to which any other person may be entitled by due process of law enforce against the person to whom payment Is made as aforesaid, Section-76,77] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [59 (8) Any sum payable under any condition attached the permission under this section which remains unpaid on the day following the date fixed in that behalf shall recoverable as arrears of land revenue. (9) No claim for compensation shall lie against Government In respect of anything done by the State Government under this section and no claim for compensation s lie against the permanent holder in respect of any ac taken In accordance with the permission received by him ex, as provided In sub-section (5) of section 90.

Where any grant-In-aid irrigation work been constructed or improved by or on behalf of a permanent holder he and his representatives-ininterest shall, in accord with rules made under this Act, keep such work fit for the Purpose for which it was constructed or improved. If so, is at any time or in any manner rendered unfit or appears likely to be rendered unfit for such purpose, the permanent h, his representatives-in-interest shall at once report the m. the Executive Engineer and shall carry out such repairs Collector on consideration of the Executive Engineer's rep' prescribe. If the permanent holder or his representatives-interest fails to make such a report or to comply with the C. order within such time as the Collector may specify, the grant from the State Government for that work may be rein from the permanent holder or his representatives-in-i in such installments and with such interest as may have agreed upon between the permanent holder and the Government at the time when such grant was received him. Any Sum so due which remains unpaid after the fixed for its repayment shall be recoverable as an arrear, land revenue. Section-77,80] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [60

Any permanent holder who desires to construct a private irrigation work towards the construction of which the State Government has sanctioned a grant, of money, and to acquire for such purpose the land of a may apply in writing to the State Government through Collector stating: (a) That he has endeavored unsuccessfully to the land; and (b) That he desires the Collector on his behalf a his cost, to acquire the land for him under Act.

(2) If such deposit is not made within the time the collector may dismiss the application.

Section-81,83] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [61

If the State Government directs acquisition of the land, the Collector shall proceed to acquire the land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. (I of 1894), as if the State Government had directed the Collector to make order for the acquisition of the land under section 7 of that Act.

Any permanent holder who desires to construct a private irrigation work for which no grant or loan has been sanctioned by the State Government and to acquire for such purpose the land of another person may apply in writing to the State Government through the Collector stating (a) That he has endeavored unsuccessfully to acquire the land; (b) That he desires the Collector on his behalf and at his cost, to acquire the land for him under this Act; (c) That he is willing and in a position to deposit. When so required all costs involved in the acquisition of the land; and (d) That he is in a position to meet the cost of construction of the work he desires to undertake.

(t) The Collector shall thereupon, ix a date of which the person to whom the land belongs shall receive not less than a month's notice for holding an inquiry and shall Publish a notice for the application and the date fixed for the inquiry in the village or villages concerned. (2) At such Inquiry the Collector shall determine- (a) Whether the proposed improvement is of sufficient importance to justify action under this Act; Section-83,86] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [62 (b) Whether the most suitable situation or alignment for the proposed work necessitates the acquisition of the land; (c) Whether the execution of the work is likely to cause damage to land belonging to other permanent holders, and whether any such land should be acquired; (d) Whether the statements in the application mentioned in section 82 are true; and (e) Generally, whether the application should be granted.

(1) If the Collector considers that the application should be granted he shall require the applicant to deposit within such time as the Collector may specify the estimated cost of demarcation of the land which in his opinion It will be necessary to occupy for the construction of the work, and when such deposit has been made, the Collector shall proceed to demarcate such land and frame a preliminary estimate of the cost of acquiring it under this Act. (2) If such deposit is not made within the specified time the Collector may dismiss the application.

Section-86,87] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [63 specify the cost of acquisition as estimated under section 82 and when such deposit has been made, shall proceed to acquire the land under the Land Acquisition Act 1894, (I of 1894) as if the State Government had directed the Collector to make order for the acquisition of the land under section 7 of that Act. (2) If such deposit is not made within the specified time the Collector may. If the thinks fit.

Condition of delivery of occupation to applicant. (1) if the final cost of acquisition is less than the amount deposited by the applicant under section 86, the balance shall be returned to him, but if it is greater, he shall be required to deposit the deficit within a time to be specified by the Collector. If the applicant fails to do so, the Collector shall quash all proceedings hitherto taken and return the amount deposited under section 86 after deducting a tenth part thereof or the actual expenditure already incurred, whichever is greater. (2) When the final cost of acquisition does not exceed the amount deposited by the applicant under section 86, or when the deficit in the said amount has been duly deposited by the applicant under sub section (1), he shall be placed in occupation of the land acquired. (3) Thereafter the applicant and his representative-in-Interest shall construct and maintain, to the satisfaction of the Collector all works which in the opinion of the Collector are required for the passage of water or traffic across the aforesaid land, of water courses existing previous to the construction of the work for which such land was acquired, and of drainage intercepted by such work, and for affording Section-87,89] M.P.

Delegation of powers by State Government. - The State Government may delegate any of its powers under this Chapter to the Commissioner in which case reference to the State Government shall be construed as reference to the Commissioner.

(1) If an applicant or his representative-in-interest fails (a) to construct the work for the purpose for which the land has been acquired under this Act; or (b) to construct and maintain the necessary work In accordance with the conditions stated in sub-section (3) of section 87 to the satisfaction of the Collector, within a time to be specified by the Collector or within such further time as the Collector may from time to time allow, the person who owned the land at the date of acquisition or his representative-in- interest may, within one year of the expiry of the period mentioned above, claim in the court of the Collector the return of the land on payment of compensation paid to him after deduction there from of the amount paid under sub- section (2) of section 23 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1B94 (I of 1894) and other sum which may be awarded by the Collector for depreciation in value of the land subsequent to acquisition. (2) An order of the Collector for the return of the land shall operate to re-vest the land in the person to whom it belonged before the acquisition or in his representative-In-interest, as the case may be, Section-89A,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [65 subject to all the rights of other persons existing at the time of acquisition. [89-A. Acquisition of the right of supply through an existing private water course. - (1) Any permanent holder of Irrigable or wet land desiring to have the right of supply of water through a private water course of another person passing through, or by the side of, or within easy reach of such land may apply to the Collector. (2) If the applicant undertakes to defray all cost involved in acquiring such right and to share the expenses made by the owner in the construction other water-course, the Collector shall serve a notice on the owner to show cause why the right should not be granted. (3) If the owner of the water-course raises no objection, the Collector may declare the applicant to be the joint holder of the water course on such conditions, as to the payment of cost, compensation or otherwise as may appear to him equitable. 89-B. Constriction of a private Water course.-(1) Subject to rules made under this Act, a permanent holder of irrigable or wet land in a village or chak may construct on his land a private water-course. (2) Every permanent holder desiring to construct a Private water Course shall, before undertaking the construction thereof, make an application in writing to the Executive Engineer clearly disclosing therein the details of the proposed water course including its alignment, the land which is sought to be irrigated and such other particulars as may be prescribed. 1. Section 89.A to 89-E inserted vide M. P. Extension of Laws Act, 1958 (No. 23 of 1958). Section-89 B,C] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [66 (3) On receipt of the application, the Executive Engineer shall, after making or causing to be made such enquiry, as he deems fit, lay down the specifications for the construction of the private water-course and give such other direction in relation there to as he may consider necessary. (4) Every private water-course shall be constructed in accordance with the specifications and directions given under sub-section (3). (5) No private water-course shall be used for the supply of water from a canal for Irrigation purposes unless it has been constructed in accordance with the specifications and directions given under sub- section (3). 89-C. Occasional supply of water through Private water course.-(1) Any permanent holder or occupier in a wet or irrigable area may apply to the Executive Engineer for supply of water from a canal. (2) If it appears expedient that such supply should be given and that it should be conveyed through an existing private water course the Executive Engineer shall give notice to the owner of the water-course to show cause on a day not more than 14 days from the date of notice why the said supply should not be so conveyed. (3) On the day fixed, the Executive Engineer shall after hearing the Owner if present and making such enquiry, as he thinks fit. Determine whether and on what conditions the said supply should be conveyed through the water-course. (4) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Executive Engineer under sub-section (3), may, before the expiry of thirty days from such Section-89C,D] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [67 decision. Prefer an appeal to the Superintending Engineer and subject to the result of such appeal, if any, the decision of the Executive Engineer shall be final. (5) Such applicant shall not be entitled to Use the water Course until he has paid the cost of any alteration of the water-course required for making the supply available through It and such charge for use of the water-course as the Executive Engineer may determine. (6) The applicant shall also be liable to maintain the watercourse so long as he uses it. 89-D. Obligation of persons owning or using private watercourse. - (1) Every permanent holder owning or using private water’ course, shall:- (a) Construct and maintain to the satisfaction of the Executive Engineer all works which in the opinion of the Executive Engineer are required for the passage of water or traffic across the aforesaid private water-course existing previous to its construction and of drainage intercepted by such private water-course and for affording proper communication across it for the convenience of the neighboring lands; (b) maintain the water-course in proper repair so long as it is an area under an agreement or in a compulsory assessed area; (c) Allow its use in the manner and to the extent provided by section 89-C. (2) It at any time the Executive Engineer Considers in respect of a water-course referred to In sub-section (1) that the works mentioned in clause (a) of that sub-section have not been constructed or Section-89,90] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [68 maintained or that the water-course Is not In proper repair as required by clause (b) thereof: (a) he may, by a notice served upon the persons liable under sub-section (1) require that the construction or repairs be made to his satisfaction on or before a specified date; and (b) if the construction or repairs are not made to his satisfaction by such date, he may stop the supply of water to the watercourse; or (b) he may cause the construction and repairs to be made and may collect a sum not exceeding twice the cost there of from the permanent holders owning or using the water-course in proportion to the areas held by them In the land which is ordinarily Irrigated through the water course. 89-E. Application of section 89-A to 89-D.- Provisions of sections 89-A, 89-8, 89-C and 89-0 shall in the first instance, apply to the Madhya Pradesh and Vindhya Pradesh regions, and the State Government may; from time to time, by notification extend their application to such other areas as it may deem fit. 90. Compensation for damage.- (1) No. claim for compensation shall lie against any permanent holder for any damage arising from: (a) the stoppage or diminution of the percolation or flow of water; or (b) the deterioration of climate or soil; or (c) the stoppage of navigation, or of the means of drifting timber or watering cattle. Section-90,91] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [69 Provided that compensation shall be payable where, as a result of the construction of a private irrigation work- (i) the rent or revenue of any land has been reduced; or (ii) the supply of water to or from a tank or other constructed work has been diminished. (2) Claims under this section may be enforced by appli-cation made to the Collector within one year from the reduction of the rent or revenue, or from the diminution of the supply. (3) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Collector under subsection (2) may, within six months from the date of such decision.

Power to make rules.- In addition to any rules for which provision is made in this Chapter, rules may be made under this Act prescribing: (a) the conditions on which grants or loans of money may be made under section 76 ; (b) the manner in which' the Government may en fore the proper construction and maintenance of grant -in-aid Irrigation works; (c) the circumstances in which applications under section 78 or 80 may be granted; (d) the procedure in any Inquiry or proceeding under this Chapter; and [(e) the Circumstances In which and the conditions subject to which applications under section 89-6may be made. Section-91A,B] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 70 [Chapter IX-A Requisitioning of Tanks, etc. 91-A. Commencement of Chapter- This Chapter shall be deemed to have come into force on the 27th February 1948 and shall remain in operation, for a period of 2[ten years from that date]. 91-B. Requisitioning of tanks etc.- Whenever it appears to the State Government that It is necessary so to do for the purpose of providing better facilities for Irrigation of land In the proximity of any tank not being the property of the Government, it may, by order published in the Gazette, requisition such tank and any canal or water-course or other construction connected therewith. Every such order shall contain sufficient particulars of the property to be requisitioned. 1. Inserted vide M. P. Extensions of Laws Act 1958 (No. 23 of 1958). (2) From the date of the publication of the said order such property shall be at the disposal of the State Government. The State Government may thereafter use such property as a canal system from such date as may be notified. (3) The State Government may declare any part of land commanded by the tank comprised in the requisitioned property as a compulsory assessed area in the manner provided in section 12-A and thereupon all provisions of this Act applicable to compulsory assessed area shall apply to all such lands; Provided that no water-rate shall be payable by the owner of the tank in respect of any parcel of land of which he Is a permanent holder and which was being Irrigated from the tank on the 27th February 1948. I. Chapter IX.A added by M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1948 (No. 190 1948). Enforced up to 1958 only vide Act No.1 of 1953 referred to in (2) below, 2. This has been substituted by M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1953 (No.1 of 1953). Section-91B,C] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [71 91-C. Payment of compensation.- (1) Whenever in pursuance of sub-section (1) of section 91-6 any property is requisitioned, there shall be paid compensation determined In the manner and in accordance with the principles hereinafter set out, that Is to say (a) Where the amount of compensation can be fixed by agreement, it shall be paid in accordance with such agreement; (b) Here no such agreement can be reached, the State Government shall appoint as arbitrator the District Judge or the Additional District Judge or any Civil Judge having jurisdiction over the area in which the requisitioned property is situated; (c) No Compensation shall be payable to any person other than a person who in the opinion of the State Government or the arbitrator owns or has an interest in the tank requisitioned; (d) During the period the tank remains under requisition the amount of compensation payable annually to the person owning or having an interest in suet tank shall not exceed the average annual Income, of such person during the three years immediately' preceding the requisition calculated after deducting the expenditure incurred on the maintenance of such tank from: (i) Irrigation dues; (ii) Use of the tank for growing Singhara, fishing, or any other purpose of like nature whether b the person aforesaid himself or his lessee; (iii) Sale of grass from the embankment of the tank. Section-91C,D] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [72 (2) The decision of the arbitrator proceeding and under this section shall be final and conclusive and save as provide in this section nothing in any law for the time being I force shall apply to an arbitration under this section. (3) The payment of compensation under this section to the person, who in the opinion of the State Government or the arbitrator, as the case may be, owns or has an Interest in the tank requisitioned shall be a full discharge of It State Government from all liability in respect of such compensation, but shall not prejudice any rights in respect of II said tank to which any other person may be entitled by dl process of law to enforce against the person to whom compensation has been paid as aforesaid. 91-D. Preparation of list of all land commanded by tank.- (1) There shall be prepared a list of all lat commanded by a tank requisitioned under sub section (1) of section 91-6 as soon after its requisition as possible. (2) Every such list s hall show the name of the occupier of each parcel of land and whether water was being given to him for the irrigation of his land from the requisitioned tank and the water rate paid by him, If any, to the owner of the tank. (3) Every such list shall be published In the manner laid down by rule made under this Chapter and thereupon such list shall be conclusive record of the fact stated therein. Section-91E,F] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [73 91-E. Release from requisition.- Where any requisitioned property is to be released from the requisition, the State Government may after making such enquiry, if any, as may be considered necessary specify by order In writing the person to whom possession of the property shall be given. (2) The delivery of possession of the property as aforesaid to the person specified in an order made under subsection (1) shall be a full discharge of the State Government from all liability in respect of such delivery but shall not prejudice any rights in respect of the property to which any other person may. Be entitled by due process of law to enforce against the person to whom possession of the property Is so delivered. (3) Where the person to whom possession of any requisitioned property Is to be given cannot be found and has no agent or other person empowered to accept delivery on his behalf, the State Government shall cause a notice declaring that the land is released from requisition to be affixed on some conspicuous part of the property and publish the notice In the Gazette. (4) When a notice refered to in sub-section (3) is published In the Gazette, the property specified in such notice shall cease to be subject to requisition on and from the date of such publication and be deemed to have been delivered to the person entitled to possession thereof; and the State Government shall not be liable for any compensation or other claim in respect of the property for any period after the said date. 91-F. Power to acquire requisitioned property.- (1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3) the State Government may at any time when any requisitioned property continues to be subject to requisition under sub-section (1) of section 91-B acquire such property by publishing in the Gazette a notice to the effect that the Government has decided to acquire such property in pursuance of this section. Section-91-F] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [74 (2) When a notice as aforesaid is published in the Gazette the requisitioned property shall on and from the beginning of the day on which the notice is so published vest absolutely In the State Government free from all encumbrances and the period of requisition of such property shall end. (3) No requisitioned property shall be acquired under the section except in the following circumstance, namely; (a) where any canals, water-courses or other works connected with such tank have during the period of requisition been constructed wholly or partly at the expenses of the State Government and the State Government decides that the value of or the right to use such canals, water-courses or works should be preserved or secured for the purposes of the State Government or the owner declines to reimburse the State Government the expenditure incurred on the construction of such canals, water courses or works or any improvement made to the tank: or (b) where the cost of restoring the property to Its condition at the time of its requisition would in the determination of the !5tate Government be excessive, having regard to the value of the property at that time, and the owner declines to accept the release from requisition of the property without payment of further compensation from the State Government. (4) Any decion or determination of State Government under sub-section (3) shall be final and shall be not called in question in any Court. Section-91F,G] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [75 (5) In respect of any acquisition of requisitioned property, the amount of compensation payable shall be ten times the amount of compensation fixed under section 91-c or a sum equal to the market value of the requisitioned property on the date of notice under sub-section (1), whichever is less; and such amount shall be determined and paid in accordance with the provision contained in clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) of section 91-C. (6) The payment of compensation under this section to the person who, in the opinion of the State Government or the arbitrator as the case may be, owns or has an interest in the tank acquired shall be a full discharge of the State Government from all liability in respect of such compensation, but shall not prejudice any rights in respect of the said tank to which any other person may be entitled by due process of law to enforce against the person to whom compensation has been paid as aforesaid. Explanation- For the purpose of clause (a) of sub-section (3) “works” includes any building construction, improvements of every description and planting of any mechanical contrivance designed to lift water from a tank. 91-G.Limitation for claims against the Government- No claim for compensation payable under this Act, shall lie against the Government Section-91-H,K] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [76 91-H. Power to remove difficulty- (1)If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Chapter ,the State Government may by an order published in the Gazette amend any provision of this Act other than that contained in this Chapter for the purpose of removing the difficulty. (2) Any amendment made by an order published under sub-section (1) shall have effect as if enacted in this Act. 91-I.RULES- (1) The State Government may by notification make such rules as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for carrying out the provisions of this Chapter. (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power such rules may provide for the following matters, namely: (i) The procedure to be followed in arbitrations under section 91-C ;(ii) The principles to be followed in apportioning the costs of proceedings before the arbitrator. 91-J. Delegation of power.- The State Government may by notification delegate all or any of its powers under this Chapter, except the powers specified in sections 91-H and 9-1 to any authority which it thinks fit. 91-K. Interpretation. - For the purposes of this Chapter (i) the definition of canal in section 3 shall be construed as if for the words "by the State Government" occurring in clause (a) of that section the words "whether by the State Government or any other person" had been substituted therein; (ii) The expression "requisitioned property" means property Requisitioned under subsection (1) of section 91-B Section-92] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [77 Chapter IX-B Application of the Act to Berar. Deleted Chapter X Rules. Offences and Repeals

(1) All rules for which provision is made in this Act shall be made by the State Government and shall be consistent with this Act. (2) A rule may be general for, all canal systems or for all canal systems not expressly exempted from its operation, Or may be special for the whole or any part of one or more canal systems, as the State Government may direct. (3) Except the rules provided for in Section 21 and 22 2[and Chapter VIII-A.] all rules shall be subject to the condition of previous publication. '[(4) Deleted. [(5) In making any rule the State Government may direct that a breach thereof shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees, and where the breach is continuing one with further fine which may extend to ten rupees for every day after the first during which the breach has been persisted in. 1. Chapter IX-B deleted by M. P. Adaptation of Laws Order 1956. 2. These words added by by M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act) 1960 (No. 23 of 1960). 3. Sub-section (4) deleted vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act. 1976 (No. 56 of 1976). 1. Sub-section (5) substituted vide section 10 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act [, 1973 (No. 42 of 1973). Section-92-94] M.P. Irrigation Act, 1931 [78 [(6) The power to make rules conferred by this section shall include the power to give retrospective effect to the rules or to anyone of them. [(7) All rules made under this Act shall be laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly.

(a) Prescribing the manner in which Irrigation Panchayats shall be constituted and dissolved, conferring on them further powers and allotting to them further duties, regulating their Procedure and providing for their remuneration: [(a-I) Regulating the control and distribution of Irrigation beyond the outlet, prescribing the authority controlling and distributing such Irrigation and providing for all matters connected wi1h such control and distribution Including the levy and recovery of charges for the purpose of remunerating such authority; (b) Prescribing the rates at which diet-money shall be paid to persons required to attend an Inquiry under this Act; and (a) generally, for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act. 2&3. Sub-section (6) &. (7) added vide M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1976 (No. 56 of 1976). 4 Sub-section (a-I) of section 93, added vide ~.f. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act, 1948 (No. 55 of 1948). [94. Offences and Penalties - Whoever, without proper authority, does any of the following acts, that Is to say: (a) Damages, alters, enlarges or obstructs any canal; (b) Interferes with, increases, or diminishes the supply of water in, or the flow of water from, through, over or under, any canal; (c) Interferes with or alters the flow of water in any river or stream, so as to endanger, damage or render less useful any canal; (d) being responsible for the maintenance of water-course or using water-course, neglects to take proper precautions for the prevention of waste of the water thereof, or interferes with the authorized distribution of the water there from or uses such water in an unauthorized manner; (e) Receiving water in his fields for Irrigation, neglects to take proper precautions for the prevention of waste of such water; (f) Corrupts or fouls the water of any canal so as to render it less fit for the purposes for which it is ordinarily used; (g) Being a permanent holder, occupier, cultivator or agricultural laborer, resident in a village in which a proclamation under section 36 has been made, neglects to attend at the place appointed or refuses or neglects to carry out the duties allotted to him; 5. Section 94, substituted vide Section 11 of M. P. Irrigation (Amendment) Act,1973 (No. 42 of 1973). (h) Destroys, injures, defaces or removes any land-mark, level- mark, water guage or other apparatus fixed by the authority of a canal officer; (i) Causes animals or vehicles to pass on or across any of the works, banks or channels or any canal after such passage has been prohibited by a canal officer; (j) Causes or knowingly and willfully permits animals to graze or be tethered upon the bank or border of any canal after such grazing or tethering has been prohibited by a canal officer. (k) Removes or injures any tree, bush, grass or other vegetation growing on any canal, or, (I) Eases himself on the banks or in the channel of a canal; Shall on complaint made by a canal officer: (i) Be punishable in respect of offences mentioned in clauses (a) to (h), with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees or with both; and when the offence is a continuing one, with an additional fine not exceeding twenty rupees for every day after the first during which the offence has been persisted in: and (ii) Be punishable In respect of offences mentioned in clauses (i) to (i) with line which may extend to one hundred rupees and if the same person is subsequently convicted for a like offence he shall be liable for imprisonment which may extend to one month for each such subsequent conviction. Section-95,98] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [81

Whenever any Magistrate imposes a fine upon any person for an offence under this Act, he may direct that the whole or any part of such fine shall be paid by way of compensation to any person Injured by such offence.

When any person is convicted of an offence under section 94, or the mischief under the Indian Penal Code in relation to any canal, the court may order him to remove the obstruction or repair the damage or replace or repair the land-marks, level marks water-gauge or apparatus, In respect of which the offence was committed, within a period to be fixed in such order; and if such person neglects or refuses to obey such order within the period so fixed, the Executive Engineer may carry out the work in accordance with such order, and the cost thereof shall be recoverable from such person by the Collector as arrears of land-revenue.

Any canal officer or canal subordinate may remove or caused to be removed from any canal any person who In his view commits or is about to commit any of the offences mentioned In clause (a),(b), (c),(h),or(j) of section 94.

(1) Any canal officer or canal subordinate may take into custody without warrant any person who in his view commits any of the offences mentioned in clauses (a), (b) or (c) of section 94, and shall forthwith release him on bail or, if he fails to furnish bail, take him, or cause him to be taken, to the magistrate having jurisdiction to try the offence: Provided that if there be no such magistrate within a distance of five miles, the canal officer or canal subordinate making the arrest shall Section-98,100] M.P.IrrigationAct,1931 [82 take the offender, or cause him to be taken to the nearest Police Station, and the Officer-In Charge of such police station may cause him to be taken before the nearest magistrate having jurisdiction to try the offence, or may take sufficient security for his appearance before such magistrate. (2) The custody of any person to whom an offender may be made over under sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be lawful custody,

'[(1) Any canal Officer may accept from any person against whom a reasonable suspicion exists that he had committed an offence punishable under this Act or the rules made there under a sum of money not exceeding two hundred and fifty rupee, for composition of such offence. (2) On payment of such sum of money the suspected person, if in custody shall be discharged, and no further proceedings shall be taken against him In regard to the offence so compounded, (3) Rules may be made under this Act regulating the Procedure of canal officers in compounding offences. 100, Repeals and savings. - (1) The Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873, is hereby repealed in its application to the Madhya Pradesh. (2) The Central provinces Canal Management Act, 1919 and the Central Provinces Canal Management (Amendment) Act, 1923, are hereby repealed. (3) But changes created, powers vested, rules, orders, appointments, agreements and contracts made, and suits Instituted and proceedings taken under any of the said Act shall, as far as may be, deemed to have been respectively duly created, vested, made, Instituted and taken under this Act. 1. Sub section (1) Substituted vide Section 12 of M.P. Irrigation (Amendment)