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The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005

The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005

General200537 sections7 chapters

The Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority Act, 2005, regulates the distribution, allocation, and management of surface and sub-surface water resources across Maharashtra. It applies to all water users in the state, including agricultural associations, industrial groups, domestic utilities, and river basin agencies. This legislation matters because it establishes an independent authority to ensure fair, efficient, and volumetric water distribution based on actual availability. By defining clear water entitlements and quotas, the Act helps resolve conflicts, manages water scarcity equitably, and promotes sustainable conservation, ensuring that domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors all receive their designated share of vital water resources.

Start reading →Read full ActSections

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extend and commencement.
  2. 2Definitions.

Chapter II MAHARASHTRA WATER RESOURCES REGULATORY AUTHORITY →

  1. 3Establishment and incorporation of Authority.
  2. 3APower to appoint Committee to perform powers, etc., of Authority during intervening period when Authority is not reconstituted.
  3. 4Qualifications for Chairperson, other Members and Special Invitees of Authority.
  4. 5Constitution and Functions of Selection Committee.
  5. 6Term of office, salary and allowances and other conditions of service of Chairperson and Members of Authority.
  6. 7Removal of Member.
  7. 8Power of Government to depute officers and employees to Authority and their service conditions.
  8. 9Proceedings of Authority.
  9. 10Vacancies, etc., not to invalidate act or proceedings.

Chapter III POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE AUTHORITY →

  1. 11Powers, functions and duties of Authority.
  2. 12General policies of the Authority.
  3. 13Powers of Authority and Dispute Resolution Officer.

Chapter IV STATE WATER PLANNING →

  1. 14Permission of River Basin Agency.
  2. 15State Water Board.
  3. 16State Water Council.
  4. 16ASectoral allocation by State Government.

Chapter V ACCOUNTS, AUDIT AND REPORTS →

  1. 17Grants and advances to Authority.
  2. 18Budget of Authority.
  3. 19Accounts of Authority.
  4. 20Annual report of Authority.

Chapter VI SPECIAL POWERS OF AUTHORITY FOR REMOVAL OF BACKLOG AS PER GOVERNOR'S DIRECTIVES →

  1. 21Special Responsibility of Authority.

Chapter VII MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 22Disputes and Appeals.
  2. 23Directions by Government.
  3. 24Members, officers and other staff of Authority to be public servants.
  4. 25Protection of action taken in good faith.
  5. 26Punishment for non-compliance of orders under this Act.
  6. 27Offences by companies.
  7. 28Compounding of offences.
  8. 29Cognizance of offence.
  9. 30Powers of Government to make rules.
  10. 31Powers of Authority to make regulations.
  11. 31AEntitlement to apply only after delineation.
  12. 31BPermission, allocation, etc., to continue.
  13. 31CBar of certain suits or proceedings, etc.
  14. 32Power to remove difficulties.

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