Resource information
This Act provides for the establishment of the Land Development Board and defines its composition and functions, which include to direct the District Committees for the preparation of draft schemes and approve them, to advise Government on the strategies to be followed for land and water conservation as well as eco-restoration, etc.The Act also establishes District Committees, a Padasekharam Committee, and a Watershed committee.The Act sets out procedures for the preparation, and contents of, Land Development Schemes which shall provide for: control and prevention of soil erosion; preservation and improvement of soil; reclamation of waste, saline or water-lodged areas; improvement in the methods of cultivation and extension of cultivation; regulation or prohibition of cutting down or destroying of trees and other growths; setting on fire of trees, timber, forest produce or other wild growths; planting or growing of trees, shrubs or grasses for the purpose of afforesting uncultivable land or for providing shelter belts against wind or sand or for any other purpose; control and maintenance of tree growth; improvement of water supply; etc.The Act further provides for: powers of executing officers to enforce the scheme; liability of persons whose lands are not included in the scheme; obligation of land owners to maintain and repair works; power of the District Committee to regulate, restrict, or prohibit certain matters within the notified area; inquiries into claims and award of compensation; etc.
