Resource information
This Act provides for the involvement of farmers in irrigation utilization with the Command Area Development concept, and for the regulation, maintenance and repair of irrigation systems.The Act provides for the establishment of a Command Area Development Authority and for the appointment of Commissioner Pipe Committees and other agencies. Functions of the Authority include: formulate and implement schemes for the comprehensive development of the command areas; ensure integrated utilization of water flows; arrange systematic land development including planning construction and maintenance of field channels field drains and farm roads; enforce a proper system of rotational water supply and fair distribution of water to individual fields; formulate conjunctive use of surface and groundwater; to prevent land erosion and water logging; etc.The Act prescribes the responsibilities of land holders for the maintenance of the water course and field channels. All lands comprising the command area under a pipe outlet shall form into a single unit for purposes of systematic land development and maintenance and upkeep of irrigation systems.The Act further provides for: powers of irrigation officers to regulate irrigation systems; liability for unlawful use of water; water use management; localization of command areas for the purpose of irrigation and regulation of cropping patterns; credit facilities for land holders included in the scheme for systematic land development; offences and penalties; etc.
