Power to prohibit cultivation

The Conservator of Rivers may, with the previous sanction of the Collector of the district, by an order in writing require any owner or occupier of land usually cultivated, or cultivated with permission under section 11, within such river-bed, to abstain from cultivating such land should it appear that such cultivation will tend to obstruct or divert the course of the river; and it shall be the duty of such owner or occupier to act in obedience to such order. Whoever fails to comply with any order made by the Conservator of Rivers under this section shall, on conviction before a Magistrate, be liable to a fine not exceeding rupees five hundred, or, in default of payment, to simple imprisonment not exceeding three months for every such offence.