Owner and occupier to afford free passage of water over their lands

(1) For the purpose of irrigation or drainage on lands under the irrigable command of an irrigation work the owners or occupiers of such land shall be bound to afford free passage of water through or over all lands in their possession or under their control without causing unnecessary loss or damage to their lands. (2) If the owner or occupier refuses to allow free passage for water through or over lands in his possession or control, the Irrigation Officer may take such expeditious steps as he thinks necessary to allow such passage and recover the cost in that behalf, if any, in the manner prescribed.