Vidhi Codex

The Uttarakhand River Valley (Development and Management) Act, 2005

The Uttarakhand River Valley (Development and Management) Act, 2005

General200531 sections

This law provides a structured framework for the sustainable development, environmental management, and ecological balance of river basins in Uttarakhand, initially focusing on the Bhagirathi River Valley. It establishes a dedicated River Valley Development Authority tasked with creating comprehensive master plans to regulate land use, major construction, and commercial mining. The Act applies to state and central government departments, local authorities, businesses, and individuals operating within specified river valley areas. By requiring mandatory prior approval for major development projects and allocating revenue from hydroelectric power generation back into local conservation and infrastructure, the law aims to protect fragile mountain ecosystems while supporting local communities.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 0. Preamble
  2. 1. Short title, Extent and commencement
  3. 3. Establishment and constitution of the Authority and Executive committee, Appointment of chief Executive officer
  4. 4. Powers and duties of Chairman / Vice Chairman and chief Executive Officer
  5. 5. Staff of the Authority
  6. 6. Technical Advisors/ institution
  7. 8. Functions of the Authority
  8. 9. Power of the Authority
  9. 10. Preparation of master plan
  10. 11. Preparation of Sectoral plan and regulation of Development in the river Valley
  11. 12. Fund of the Authority
  12. 13. Opening of Account, Budget and AGM
  13. 14. Accounts and Audit
  14. 15. Annual Report
  15. 16. Power of entry
  16. 17. Power to issue directions
  17. 18. Power to make regulations
  18. 19. Borrowing powers of Authority
  19. 20. Establishment of Head office and Branch office of the Authority
  20. 21. Requirement of permission for major developmental, constructional and mining activities in the River Valley
  21. 22. Overriding effect
  22. 24. Jurisdiction of court
  23. 25. Cognizance of offences
  24. 26. Sanction of prosecution
  25. 27. Fines when realized to be paid to the Authority
  26. 28. Compounding of offences
  27. 29. Finality of orders made under this Act
  28. 31. Imposition of cess & fee
  29. 32. Member and other officers to be public servant
  30. 33. Protection of action taken in good faith
  31. 34. Repeal and savings

PDF: pending for this language.