PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

EXTRAORDINARY

Published by Authority

CHANDIGARH, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

( cxvi )

LEGISLATIVE SUPPLEMENT

Contents

Pages

Part - I

Acts

The Punjab Canal and Drainage Act, 2023.

Part - II

Ordinances

Nil

Part - III

Delegated Legislation

Notification No. G.S.R. 89/P.A.1/1914/S.59/

Amd.(160)/2023,dated the 26th December,

2023, containing amendment in the Punjab

Liquor License Rules, 1956.

Part - IV

Correction Slips, Republications and

Replacements

Nil

.. 1411

.. 51-73

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

PART I

GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB

DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, PUNJAB

NOTIFICATION

The 27th December, 2023

No. 11-Leg./2023.- The following Act of the Legislature of the State of

Punjab received the assent of the Governor of Punjab on the 18th day of

December, 2023, is hereby published for general information:-

THE PUNJAB CANAL AND DRAINAGE ACT, 2023

(Punjab Act No. 11 of 2023)

ACT

to regulate irrigation, navigation and drainage in the State of Punjab.

BE it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Punjab in the Seventy-

fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows: -

PART I

PRELIMINARY

(1)

This Act may be called the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act, 2023.

(2)

It shall extend to the whole of the State of Punjab.

(3)

It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may,

by notification, appoint.

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context:-

(1)

“canal” includes.-

(a)

all canals, channels and reservoirs constructed, maintained or

controlled by the State Government for the supply or storage

of water;

(b) all works, embankments, structures, including outlets, supply

and escape channels connected with such canals, channels or

reservoirs;

(d)

all parts of a river, stream, lake or natural collection of water

or natural drainage channel, to which the State Government

has applied the provisions of Part II of this Act;

Short title,

extent and

commencement.

Definitions.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(e)

all field drains;

(f) all State tubewells; and

(g) all drains, works, embankments and structures, connected

with drains, maintained or controlled by the State Government;

(2)

“Canal Officer” means an officer appointed under this Act by the

State Government, by

notification, to exercise control or jurisdiction over a

canal or any part thereof;

“Chief Canal Officer” means an officer exercising general control

in respect of canals in the State;

“Superintending Canal Officer” means an officer exercising general

control over a canal or portion of a canal;

“Divisional Canal Officer” means an officer exercising control over

a division of a canal;

“Sub-Divisional Canal Officer” means an officer exercising control

over a sub-division of a canal;

“Deputy Collector” means any officer appointed to perform the

functions of Deputy Collector under this Act;

(3)

“Collector” means a revenue officer as specified as Collector in

the Punjab Land Revenue Act 1887, and includes any other officer appointed

under this Act by the State Government, by notification, to exercise all or any

of the powers of a Collector;

(4)

“Commissioner” means a revenue officer as specified as

Commissioner in the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887, and includes any officer

appointed under this Act by the State Government, by notification, to exercise

all or any of the powers of a Commissioner;

(5)

“culturable command area” means that portion of a culturable

irrigable area which is commanded by flow or lift irrigation from an irrigation

channel, outlet or State tubewell;

(6)

“district” means a revenue district notified by the Department of

Revenue;

(7)

“drainage work” includes escape channels from canals, dams, weirs,

embankments, sluices, groins and other works for the protection of lands from

flood or from erosion, formed or maintained by the State Government under

the provisions of Part VII of this Act, but does not include works for the

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

removal of sewage from towns, villages or any other habitat by whatever

name it is known.;

(8)

“field drain” includes drains and other similar works constructed or

maintained by land owners themselves;

(9)

“outlet” means a structure along with its appurtenant works fixed

or constructed by the State Government on minor, distributary or branch canal

or main canal to receive water from canal and to deliver it to fields through

water course;

(10) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(11) “shareholder” means a person or tenant as defined in the Punjab

Tenancy Act, 1887;

(12) “State Government” means the Government of the State of Punjab

in Department of Water Resources;

(13) “State tubewell” means a tubewell hitherto constructed, maintained

or controlled or which may be hereafter constructed, maintained or controlled

by the State Government or the Punjab Water Resources Management and

Development Corporation Limited, and includes all mechanical and electrical

appliances, tools and structures appertaining to it and necessary for the

abstraction of water from it;

(14) “temporary watercourse” means a watercourse which has been

supplying canal water and running for a period of not less than six months. but

which is not a watercourse as herein defined;

(15) “tubewell” means any device for lifting water either from below

the surface of the ground or from canal by mechanical means operated otherwise

than by human or animal power;

(16) “watercourse” means any channel or pipeline including all its

subsidiary works which is supplied with water from a canal, but not maintained

at the cost of the State Government, and is sanctioned under this Act or is in

existence under an agreement or by prescription;

(17) “water user” means an individual or body corporate or an association

or a group, using water in a command area;

(18) “Water Users’ Association” means a body of water users at a

particular level of a canal system for flow as well as lift irrigation; and

(19) “vessel” includes boats, rafts, timber and other floating bodies.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(1)

The State Government may, from time to time, declare, by notification

in the Official Gazette, the officers of the State Government or of the Punjab

Water Resources Management and Development Corporation Limited, by

whom, the matters in respect of which and the local limits within which all or

any of the powers or duties hereinafter conferred or imposed shall be exercised

or performed.

(2)

All officers mentioned in clause (2) of section 2 shall be subject to the

orders of such officers as the State Government may, from time to time, direct.

PART II

OF THE APPLICATION OF WATER FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES

(1)

Whenever it appears expedient to the State Government that the

water of any river or stream flowing in a natural channel, or of any lake or

other natural collection or still water, should be applied or used by the State

Government for the purposes of any existing or projected canal or drainage

work, the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare

that the said water will be so applied or used after a day to be named in the

said notification.

(2)

As soon as it is practicable after the issue of such notification, the

Collector shall cause public notice to be given in the manner prescribed, stating

that the State Government intends to apply or use the said water.

(3)

The persons affected by such notification shall be entitled to lodge

claims for compensation in respect of matters mentioned in section 7 before

the Collector.

The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,

prohibit installation of any tubewell other than a State tubewell within a distance

of, not exceeding 150 meters from a State tubewell.

At any time after the day so named, any Canal Officer, acting

under the orders of the State Government, may enter on any land and

remove any obstruction, close any channel, demolish any tubewell and do

any other thing necessary for the application or use of the said water.

The compensation may be awarded for any damage caused for the

following matters, namely:-

(a)

stoppage or diminution of supply of water through any natural

channel to any defined artificial channel, whether above or

Power to

appoint

officers.

Utilization of

water for

public

purposes.

Power to

prohibit

installation

of tubewells.

Power of

Canal Officer.

Compensation

for damages.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

underground, in use at the date of the said notification;

(b)

stoppage or diminution of supply of water to any work erected

for purposes of profit on any channel, whether natural or

artificial, in use at the date of the said notification;

(c)

stoppage or diminution of supply of water through any

natural channel which has been used for purposes of irrigation

within five years next before the date of the said notification;

(d)

damage done in respect of any right to a water course of the

use of any water to which any person is entitled under the

Limitation Act, 1963, Part IV; and

(e)

any other substantial damage, not falling under any of the above

clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d), and caused by the exercise of the powers

conferred by this Act, which is capable of being ascertained and

estimated at the time of awarding such compensation.

In determining the amount of such compensation, the procedure as

per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition,

Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 shall be followed.

PART III

OF THE CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF WORKS

8. (1)

Any Canal Officer, or the person acting under the general or special

order of a Canal Officer, may enter upon any lands adjacent to any canal, or

through which any canal is proposed to be made, and undertake surveys or

levels thereon; and dig and bore into the sub-soil; and make and set up

suitable landmarks, level-marks and water gauges; and do all other acts

necessary for the proper prosecution of any enquiry relating to any existing or

projected canal with the charge of the said Canal officer and where otherwise

such enquiry cannot be completed, such officer or other person may cut down

and clear away any part of any standing crop, fence or jungle; and may also

enter upon any land, building or watercourse on account of which any water-

rate is chargeable, for the purpose of inspecting and regulating the use of

water- supply, or of measuring the lands irrigated thereby or chargeable with

water-rate, and of doing all things necessary for the proper regulation and

management of such canal:

Provided that if such Canal Officer or person proposes to enter into

any building or enclosed court or garden attached to a dwelling-house supplied

Power to

enter and

regulate

water supply.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

with water flowing from any canal, he shall previously give the occupier of

such building, court or garden at least seven days' notice in writing of his

intention to do so. However, he may take any person(s) of that very locality

along with him, if in any case such person(s) is not available then Canal Officer

may proceed forthwith, on his own.

(2)

In every case of entry under this section, the Canal Officer shall, at

the time of such entry, tender compensation for any damage which may be

occasioned by any proceeding under this section; and, in case of dispute as to

the sufficiency of the amount so tendered, he shall forthwith refer the same

for decision of the Collector and such decision shall be final.

(1)

In case of any accident happening or being apprehended to a canal,

any Canal Officer or any person acting under his general or special orders in

this behalf may enter upon any lands adjacent to such canal and may execute

all works which may be necessary for the purposes of repairing or preventing

such accident.

(2)

In every such case, such Canal Officer or person shall tender

compensation to the proprietor(s) or occupier(s) of the said lands for all damage

done to the same. If such tender is not accepted by the affected proprietor(s)

or occupier(s) then he may apply to the Collector for revision within thirty

days. The Collector after getting report from the Canal Officer shall proceed

to award compensation as per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency

in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

(3)

Any revision against the orders of the Collector under sub-section

(2) shall lie with the State Government to be filed with ninety days of the order

of the Collector. The State Government shall decide the matter within ninety

days after receipt of revision application, whose decision shall be final.

10.

(1)

There shall be provided and maintained, at the cost of the State

Government, suitable means of crossing canals at such places as the State

Government thinks necessary for the reasonable convenience of the inhabitants

of the adjacent lands.

(2)

On receiving a statement in writing, signed by not less than twenty-

five of the owners of such lands adjacent to such canal, to the effect that

suitable crossings have not been provided on any canal, the State Government

shall cause an enquiry to be made into the circumstances of the case, and if it

thinks that the statement is established, the State Government shall cause such

measures in reference thereto to be taken as it thinks proper.

Power to

enter for

repairs and

payment of

compensation.

State

Government

to provide

means of

crossing

canals.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(3)

The State Government may issue a general policy for bridge or

ramps (fields paths, foot bridges etc.) on canal from time to time as and when

required.

11.

(1) The Divisional Canal Officer may issue an order to the persons

using any watercourse to construct suitable bridges, culverts or other

works for the passage of the water of such water course across any public

road, canal or drainage-channel in use before the said watercourse was made,

or to repair any such works.

(2) Such order shall specify a reasonable period within which such

construction or repairs shall be completed;

and if, after the receipt of such order, the persons to whom it is

addressed do not, within the said period, construct or repair such works to the

satisfaction of the said Canal Officer, he may, with the previous approval of

the Superintending Canal Officer, himself construct or repair the same;

and if, the said persons do not, when so required, pay the cost of

such construction or repairs as declared by the Divisional Canal Officer, the

amount shall, on the demand of the Divisional Canal Officer, be recoverable

from such persons as arrears of land revenue.

12.

(1)

If any person, jointly responsible with others for the construction or

maintenance of a watercourse, or jointly making use of a watercourse with

others, neglects or refuses to pay his share of the cost of such construction as

maintenance, or to execute his share of any work necessary for such

construction or maintenance, the Divisional Canal Officer, on receiving an

application in writing from any person injured by such neglect or refusal, shall

serve notice on all the parties concerned that, on the expiration of a fortnight

from the service, he shall investigate the case and shall, on the expiration of

that period, investigate the case accordingly, and make such order thereon as

he may deem fit. Such order shall be appealable to the Superintending Canal

Officer.

(2)

An appeal shall lie to the Superintending Canal Officer within a

period of thirty days from the date of passing of the order by the Divisional

Canal Officer under sub-section (1) and the order of the Superintending Canal

Officer shall be final.

(3) Any sum directed by such order to be paid within a specified period, may,

if not paid within such period, and if the order remains in force, be recovered by the

Collector, from the persons directed to pay the same, as arrears of land revenue.

Liability of

persons to

construct

works for

passage of

water.

Adjustment

of claims

between

persons

jointly using

water-course

and recovery

thereof.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

13. (1)

Notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary in this Act but

subject to the rules made and notification issued in this regard, the Divisional

Canal Officer may, on his own motion or on the application of a

shareholder or water user association, prepare a draft scheme to provide

for all or any of the matters, namely:-

(a)

the construction, alteration, extension and alignment of any

watercourse or realignment of any existing watercourse;

(b)

allotment of any new areas to a watercourse or an outlet or

re-allotment of areas served by one watercourse to another

or from one outlet to another, or for exclusion of an area, from

an outlet or a watercourse;

(c)

construction of a new outlet, closing of an existing outlet,

shifting or modification of an existing outlet;

Explanation:- Any change in the design or size or both of an outlet, whose

design or size or both have been changed in an unauthorized manner, for

restoring the same to its authorized discharge shall not be deemed to be

a modification;

(d)

the lining or relining of any watercourse; and

(e)

any other matter which is necessary for the proper

maintenance and distribution of supply of water from a

watercourse or an outlet.

(2) Every scheme prepared under sub-section (1) shall, amongst other

matters, set out the estimated cost thereof, the alignment of the proposed

watercourse or realignment of the existing watercourse, as the case may be,

the site of the outlet and a sketch plan of the area proposed to be covered by

the scheme.

14.

(1) Every scheme under this Part as soon as may be, after its preparation,

shall be published in such form and manner as may be prescribed for inviting

objections and suggestions in respect thereof within fourteen days of its

publication.

(2)

After considering such objections and suggestions, if any, the

Divisional Canal Officer shall approve, modify or reject the scheme within

fourteen days from the date of the receipt of such objections and suggestions,

unless this period is extended by the Superintending Canal Officer for good

and sufficient reasons:

Preparation

of draft

scheme.

Publication

of scheme.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

Provided that in certain cases, the prior approval of the Chief Canal

Officer shall be obtained for allowing an outlet with culturable command area

(CCA) equal to or less than hundred acres:

Provided further that in certain cases, the prior approval of the

State Government shall be obtained for allowing a new outlet on a main canal

or branch canal.

15.

(1) The Divisional Canal Officer shall, as soon as may be, publish the

fact of the rejection of scheme or the particulars of the scheme approved or

modified by him under sub-section (2) of section 14 in the prescribed manner

and call upon the shareholders or water user association to implement it at

their own cost within the period to be specified by him and if the shareholder(s)

or water user association fail to implement the same, he shall undertake the

construction or implementation of the scheme himself, and recover the cost

thereof from the shareholder(s) or water user association in the manner and

period to be specified by him. Any sum which remains unpaid, within the

specified period for this purpose, may be recovered by the Collector from the

defaulting person(s) as arrears of land revenue.

(2)

An officer, not below the rank of Sub-Divisional Canal Officer shall

check the implementation of scheme at site.

(3)

In case underground pipeline scheme if shareholder(s) or water user

association fail to implement the scheme, the Divisional Canal officer may follow

the procedure as per section 14-A and 14-B of the Punjab Land Improvement

Schemes Act, 1963, and recover the cost thereof from the shareholder(s) or water

user association in the manner and period to be specified by him. Any sum which

remains unpaid, within the specified period for this purpose, may be recovered by

the Collector from the defaulting person(s) as arrears of land revenue.

16.

An appeal against the decision of the Divisional Canal Officer under

sub-section (2) of section 14 shall lie to the Superintending Canal Officer within

thirty days from the date of the publication of the scheme under section 15

whose decision shall be final:

Provided that no such order shall be made without affording the

person(s) affected an opportunity of being heard and the orders of the Divisional

Canal Officer shall not be stayed in ordinary course.

17.

(1)

The Divisional Canal Officer may either of his own motion or on

the application of a shareholder, publish in the manner prescribed a notice of

his intention to acquire any land required for implementation of the scheme.

Publication

of scheme

after

approval.

Appeal and

revision.

Notice of

acquisition

of land.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(2) Any person interested in the land notified under sub-section (1) may,

within twenty-one days from the publication thereof, apply to the Divisional

Canal Officer by petition stating his objections to the proposed acquisition of

his rights.

(3) After considering the objections, the Divisional Canal Officer may

proceed to take the occupation of the land so required on behalf of the

shareholders.

(4) The Compensation, to be fixed by the Divisional Canal Officer on

the principles set out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency

in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 shall be payable

by the shareholders in proportion to the culturable commanded area under the

scheme held by each one of them to the owner or occupier of any land for

such acquisition and on failure of payment, the amount of compensation shall

be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

(5) Any person aggrieved from the order of the Divisional Canal Officer

in respect of compensation may prefer an appeal, within thirty days of the

passing of the order to the Superintending Canal Officer whose decision shall

be final.

18.

On failure of any shareholder or shareholders to execute the work

within the period specified in the notice under sub-section (1) of section 15, the

Divisional Canal Officer may proceed to carry out the work himself and the

cost in proportion to the culturable commanded area under the scheme held by

such shareholders shall be recoverable from the shareholders as arrears of

land revenue.

19.

On execution of the scheme, the Divisional Canal Officer shall by

requisition in writing, direct the shareholders to take over and maintain the

watercourses and on failure of the shareholders to comply with this direction,

he shall, make arrangements for maintenance of watercourse at the

shareholders' cost in proportion to the culturable commanded area under the

scheme held by them and the same shall be recoverable as arrears of land

revenue.

20.

(1)

If a person demolishes, alters, enlarges or obstructs a watercourse

or a temporary watercourse or causes any damage thereto, any person affected

thereby may apply to the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer for directing the

restoration of the same to its original condition.

(2)

On receiving an application or otherwise under sub-section (1), the

Recovery of

cost from

shareholders.

Direction for

maintenance

of water

course.

Restoration

demolished

or altered etc.

watercourse.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

Sub- Divisional Canal Officer may, after making such enquiry as he may deem

fit, require, by a notice in writing served on the person found to be responsible

for so demolishing, altering, enlarging, obstructing or causing damage to restore,

at his own cost, the watercourse or temporary watercourse to its original

condition within such period not exceeding fourteen days, as may be specified

in the notice.

(3)

If such person fails to the satisfaction of the Sub-Divisional Canal

Officer, to restore the watercourse or temporary watercourse to its original condition

within the period specified in the notice served on him under sub-section (2), the

Sub-Divisional Canal Officer may cause the watercourse or temporary watercourse

to be restored to its original condition and recover the cost incurred in respect of

such restoration from the defaulting person. The Sub-Divisional Canal Officer

may order recovery of a sum not exceeding rupees five thousand from the defaulting

person by way of penalty. In case the penalty is not paid, the same shall be recoverable

as arrears of land revenue.

(4) Any person aggrieved by the order of the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer,

may prefer an appeal, within thirty days of the passing of such order before the

Divisional Canal Officer, whose decision on such appeal shall be final.

(5)

Any sum which remains unpaid within a period to be specified for

this purpose by the Divisional Canal Officer may be recovered as arrears of

land revenue.

21.

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for

the time being in force, no civil court shall have jurisdiction to entertain or

decide any question relating to matters falling under sections 13 to 20.

PART-IV

THE SUPPLY OF WATER

22.

The State Government may allow supply of canal water for purposes

other than irrigation. In the absence of a written contract, every supply of

canal water shall be deemed to be given at the rates as notified by the

Government and subject to the conditions prescribed by the rules.

23.

(1)

The Divisional Canal Officer may stop the supply of water to any

watercourse, or to any person(s), within periods fixed from time to time in the

following cases, namely:-

Bar on

jurisdiction

of civil court.

In absence of

written

contract

water supply

to be subject

to rules.

Power to

stop water

supply and

compensation.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(a)

whenever it is necessary to stop such supply for the purpose

of executing any work ordered by the competent authority

and with the previous sanction of the Superintending Canal

Officer;

(b)

whenever and so long as any watercourse is not maintained

in such proper customary repair so as to prevent the wasteful

escape of water therefrom; and

(c)

whenever water is not used for the purpose for which it was

being supplied.

(2)

No claim shall be made against the State Government for

compensation in respect of loss caused by the failure or stoppage or reduction

of water in the canal, by reason of any cause beyond the control of the State

Government or of any repairs, alterations or additions to the canal, or of any

measures taken for the regulating the proper flow of water therein, or for

maintaining the established course of irrigation which the Divisional Canal

Officer considers necessary; but the person(s) suffering such loss due stoppage

of water for irrigation may claim remission of the water cess payable for the

use of the water as is authorized by the State Government.

(3)

When the water of a canal is supplied for the irrigation of a single

crop, the permission to use such water shall be held to continue only until that

crop comes to maturity, but if it is to be supplied for irrigation for two or more

crops to be raised on the same land within the year, such permission shall be

held to continue for one year from the commencement of the irrigation and to

apply to such crops only as matured within that year.

(4)

If any written contract or agreement for the supply of canal water

has been made in which the period has not been specifically mentioned, it shall

be deemed to have been made for one year unless such contract or agreement

is renewed for another year:

Provided that a contract or agreement executed before the

commencement of this Act, shall, continue for a period as mentioned in such

contract or agreement.

(5)

No person, entitled to use the water of any canal or any work,

building or land appertaining to any canal, shall sell or sublet or otherwise

transfer his right to such use, without the permission of the Superintending

Canal Officer:

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

Provided that the aforesaid provision shall not apply to the use by a

cultivating tenant the water supplied to the owner for the irrigation of the land

held by such tenant:

Provided further that all contract made between the State

Government and the owner or occupier of any immovable property as to the

supply of canal water to such property, shall be transferable therewith, and

shall be presumed to have been so transferred whenever a transfer of such

property takes place.

(6) No right to the use of the water of a canal shall be, or be deemed

to have been acquired under the Limitation Act, 1963, Part IV, nor shall the

State Government be bound to supply any person with water except in

accordance with the terms of a contract in writing.

(7)

Where the supplies are made under some contract or agreement

for specified purpose, the Divisional Canal Officer may stop such supplies

after giving notice to the person concerned and after affording him an opportunity

of being heard, on the ground that there is breach of contract or agreement or

the water is needed for the public purposes by the State Government.

PART V

WATER RATES

24.

If water supplied through a canal is used in an unauthorised manner,

and if the person by whose act or neglect such use has occurred cannot be

identified, the person who has derived or may derive benefit therefrom, shall

be liable to the charges prescribed for such use.

25.

If water supplied through a watercourse or an outlet be suffered to

run to waste and if, after enquiry by the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer, the

person through whose act or neglect such water was suffered to run to waste

cannot be discovered, all the persons chargeable in respect of water supplied

through such watercourse or an outlet shall be jointly liable for the charges

made in respect of water so wasted.

26.

(1)

All charges for the unauthorised use or waste of water may be

recovered in addition to any penalties incurred on account of such use or waste.

(2)

All questions, under sections 24 and 25, including questions pending

for disposal on the commencement of this Act shall be decided by the Divisional

Canal Officer.

Liability when

persons using

unauthorisedly

cannot be

identified.

Liability

when water

runs to

waste.

Charges

recoverable

in addition to

penalties.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(3)

An appeal shall lie to the Superintending Canal Officer against the

decision of the Divisional Canal Officer empowered under sub-section (2)

within a period of thirty days from the date of such decision.

27.

When canal or river water is supplied to forts or other military

buildings, cantonment, civil station, cities, towns, railway, public garden or other

places of public resort, industrial units, power plants and bulk users, beverages

and bolted water industry, drinking water supply (including Railways and Army),

fish pond and brick making and water construction work or any other non-

irrigation use either by filing of tanks or by direct flow, contracts at special

rates may be accepted by the Divisional Canal Officer with the previous sanction

of the State Government.

28.

(1)

The State Government may levy a water cess on the occupiers of

land, who use canal water for the purposes of irrigation at the rate to be

determined by the State Government from time to time and such occupiers, as

accept the water, shall pay for water cess accordingly. Such water cess shall

be payable within such time and in such manner, as may be prescribed. The

water cess so collected, shall be used by the State Government for maintenance

and development of irrigation infrastructure.

(2)

The rules herein before referred to may prescribe and determine

what persons or classes of persons are to be deemed to be occupiers for the

purposes of this section and may also determine the several liabilities, in respect

of the payment of water cess of tenants and of persons to whom tenants may

have sublet their lands or of proprietors and of persons to whom proprietors

may have let the lands held by them in cultivating occupancy.

29.

Where a water-cess is charged on land held by several joint owners, it

shall be payable by the manager or other person who receives the rents or profits

of such land and may be deducted by him from such rents or profits before division,

or may be recovered by him from the persons liable to such rate in the manner

customary for the recovery of other charges on such rents or profits.

30.

Any sum lawfully due under this Part, and certified by the Divisional

Canal Officer to be so due, which remains unpaid after the day on which it

becomes due, shall be recoverable from the person liable for the same as

arrears of land revenue.

31.

Except as otherwise provided, nothing in sections 30 applies to

fines.

Water

supplied to

cantonments,

towns,

industry,

bulk water

supplier,

commercial

users etc.

Water

supplied for

irrigation.

Water cess

by whom

payable.

Certified

dues

recoverable

as land

revenue.

Fines not

included in

certified

dues.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

PART VI

CANAL NAVIGATION

32.

(1)

Any vessel entering or navigating any canal contrary to the rules

made in that behalf by the State Government, or so as to cause danger to the

canal or the other vessels therein, may be removed or detained, or both removed

and detained, by the Divisional Canal Officer, or by any other person duly

authorised in this behalf.

(2) The owner of any vessel causing damage to a canal, or whose

vessel has been removed or detained under this section, shall be liable to pay to

the State Government such sum as the Divisional Canal Officer, with the

approval of the Superintending Canal Officer, determines to be necessary to

defray the expenses of repairing such damage or of such removal or detention,

as the case may be.

33.

Any fine imposed under this Act upon the owner of any vessel, or

the servant or agent of such owner or other person incharge of any vessel, for

any offence in respect of the navigation of such vessel, may be recovered

either in the manner prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or if

the Magistrate imposing the fine so directs, as though it were a charge on such

vessel.

34.

If any charge due under the provisions of this Part in respect of

any vessel is not paid on demand to the person authorized to collect the

same, the Divisional Canal Officer may seize and detain such vessel and the

furniture thereof, until the charge so due, together with all expenses and additional

charges arising from such seizure and detention, is paid in full.

35.

If any charge due under the provision of this Part in respect of any

cargo or goods carried in a Government vessel on a canal, or stored on or in

lands or warehouses occupied for the purposes of a canal is not paid on demand

to the person authorized to collect the same, the Divisional Canal Officer may

seize such cargo or goods and detain them until the charge so due, together

with all expenses and additional charges arising from such seizure and detention,

is paid in full.

36.

(1)

Within a reasonable time after any seizure under section 34 or section

35, the said Canal Officer shall give notice to the owner or person incharge of

the property seized that it, or such portion of it as may be necessary, will, on a

day to be named in the notice, but not sooner than fifteen days from the date of

the notice, be sold in satisfaction of the claim on account of which such property

Detention of

vessels

violating

rules.

Recovery of

fines for

offences in

navigating

canals.

Power to

seize and

detain vessel

on failure to

pay charges.

Power to

seize cargo

or goods, if

charges due

thereon are

not paid.

Procedure for

recovery of

such charges

after seizure.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

was seized, unless the claim be discharged before the day so named. If such

claim be not so discharged, the said Canal Officer, may, on such day, sell the

property seized or such part thereof as may be necessary to yield the amount

due, together with the expenses of such seizure and sale:

Provided that no greater part of the furniture of any vessel or of

any cargo or goods shall be so sold than shall, as nearly as may be, suffice to

cover the amount due in respect of such vessel, cargo or goods.

(2)

The residue of such furniture, cargo or goods, and of the proceeds of

the sale, shall be made over to the owner or person incharge of the property seized.

37.

(1)

If any vessel be found abandoned in a canal, or any cargo or goods

carried in a Government vessel on a canal, or stored on or in lands or warehouses

occupied for the purpose of canal, be left unclaimed for a period of two months,

the Divisional Canal Officer may take possession of the same. The Officer so

taking possession may publish a notice, in the manner prescribed, that, if such

vessel and its contents, or such cargo or goods, are not claimed on or before

the day to be named in the notice, not sooner than thirty days from the date of

such notice, he will sell the same; and, if such vessel, contents, cargo or goods

be not so claimed, he may, at any time after the day named in the notice,

proceed to sell the same.

(2)

The said vessel and its contents and the said cargo or goods if

unsold, or, if a sale has taken a place, the proceeds of the sale, after paying all

tolls, charges and expenses incurred by the Divisional Canal Officer, on account

of the taking possession and sale, shall be made over to the owner of the same,

when his ownership is established to the satisfaction of the Divisional Canal

Officer.

(3)

If the Divisional Canal Officer is doubtful to whom such property

or proceeds should be made over, he may direct the property to be sold as

aforesaid, and the proceeds to be paid into the district treasury, there to be held

until the right thereto be decided by a Court of competent jurisdiction.

PART VII

DRAINAGE

38.

Whenever it appears to the State Government that injury to any

land or the public health or public convenience has arisen or may arise from

the obstruction of any river, stream or drainage-channel, the State Government

may, by notification published in the Official Gazette, prohibit within limit to be

defined in such notification, the formation of any obstruction, or may, within

Procedure in

respect of

vessels

abandoned

and goods

unclaimed.

Powers to

prohibit

obstructions

or order of

their removal.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

such limits, order the removal or other modification of such obstruction. On the

issue of such notification, so much of the said river, stream or drainage-channel

as is comprised within such limits shall be held to be a drainage-work as defined

in section 2.

39.

(1)

The Divisional Canal Officer, or other person authorized by the

State Government in that behalf, may, after such publication issue an order to

the person causing or having control over any such obstruction to remove or

modify the same within a time to be fixed in the order.

(2)

If within the time so fixed, such person does not comply with the

order, the said Canal Officer may himself remove or modify the obstruction; and

if the person to whom the order was issued does not, when called upon, pay the

expenses involved in such removal or modification, such expenses shall be

recoverable from him or his representative in interest as arrears of land revenue.

40.

The provisions contained in sections 13 to 21 shall apply mutatis

mutandis to field drains.

41.

Whenever it appears to the State Government that any drainage

works are necessary for the improvement of any lands, or for the proper

cultivation or irrigation thereof or that protection from floods or other

accumulations of water or from erosion by a river is required for any lands, it

may cause a scheme for such drainage works to be drawn up and published by

the Divisional Canal Officer, together with an estimate of its cost which the

State Government proposes to defray, and a schedule of the lands which it is

proposed to make chargeable in respect of the scheme.

42.

The persons authorized by the State Government to draw up such

schemes may exercise all or any powers conferred upon the Canal Officers

under section 8.

43.

The cost, other than that which is to be defrayed by the State

Government, in respect of such scheme, may be charged from the owners of all

lands made chargeable under section 41 in accordance with rules made by the

State Government in this behalf. Such cost either wholly or in part, may be recovered

in kind of land or labour in the manner prescribed by rules made in this behalf.

44.

Any sum certified by the Divisional Canal Officer to be due under

section 43 and which remain unpaid after the expiry of the period during which

it was payable, shall be recoverable from the owner liable for the same as if it

were an arrear of land revenue.

Power to

remove

obstructions

after

prohibition.

Provisions

regarding

field drains.

Preparation

of schemes

for works of

improvement.

Powers of

persons

employed on

such schemes.

Rate on

lands

benefited by

works.

Recovery of

rate.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

45.

Whenever, in pursuance of a notification made under section 38,

any obstruction is removed or modified or whenever any drainage-work is

carried out under section 41, all claims for compensation on account of any

loss consequent on the removal or modification of the said obstruction or the

construction of such work may be made before the Collector and he shall deal

with the same in the manner provided in the Right to Fair Compensation and

Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation And Resettlement Act, 2013.

However, no compensation shall be paid to any illegal structure which is

constructed without any approval from any competent authority of the State

Government.

46.

No such claim shall be entertained after the expiry of one year

from the occurrence of the loss complained of, or unless the Collector is satisfied

that the claimant had sufficient cause for not making the claim within such

period.

PART VIII

JURISDICTION

47.

(1)

The Deputy Collector may, if in his opinion it is necessary so

to do, pass an order as to the use or distribution of water from a watercourse

amongst persons in any estate or a group of estates or in any holding or group

of holdings in such estate or estates:

Provided that no such order shall be passed by the Deputy Collector

without making an inquiry into the matter and without giving a notice to the

persons interested that, on a day to be named in such notice, he shall proceed

to inquire into the said matter.

(2)

Whenever a dispute or difference arises between two or more

persons in regard to their mutual rights or liabilities in respect of the use,

construction or maintenance of a watercourse, any such person may apply in

writing to the Deputy Collector stating the matter in dispute.

(3)

On receipt of an application under sub-section (2), the Deputy

Collector shall give notice to the other persons interested that, on a day to be

named in such notice, he shall proceed to enquire into the said matter, and after

the inquiry he shall pass an order thereon.

(4)

An order passed under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3) as to the

use or distribution of water for any crop sown or growing at the time when

such order is made or with regard to the construction or maintenance of a

Disposal of

claims to

compensation.

Limitation

of such

claims.

Power of

Deputy

Collector to

order use or

distribution

of water and

settlement of

differences.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

watercourse shall, subject to an order passed on appeal or revision under sub-

sections (5) and (6), be final.

(5)

An appeal shall lie to the Divisional Canal Officer against an

order referred to in sub-section (4) within a period of thirty days from the date

of such order.

(6)

The Superintending Canal Officer, within whose jurisdiction the

watercourse is situated, may, suo motu or on an application made in this behalf

by an aggrieved person, revise an order passed in appeal by a Divisional Canal

Officer under sub- section (5) :

Provided that no such application shall lie unless it is made within a

period of thirty days from the date of such order.

(7)

No order passed under this section shall be liable to be called in

question in any civil court.

48.

The clerical or arithmetical mistakes in an order passed by an officer

under this Act arising from any accidental slip or omission may, at any time, be

corrected by the authority concerned either of its own motion or on the

application of any of the parties.

49.

Any officer empowered under this Act to conduct any enquiry may

exercise all such powers connected with the summoning and examining of

witnesses as are conferred on civil courts by the Code of Civil Procedure and

every such enquiry shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding.

50.

Except as otherwise provided, all claims against the State

Government in respect of anything done under this Act may be tried by the

Civil Courts, but no such court shall, in any case pass an order as to the supply

of canal water to any crop sown or growing at the time of such order.

PART IX

FORMATION OF WATER USER ASSOCIATION

51.

The State Government may, by notification published in the Official

Gazette, establish water user associations (WUAs) to inculcate a sense of

ownership amongst stakeholders. The water user associations may assist Canal

Officers for the following purposes, namely:-

(a)

resolution of disputes amongst shareholders;

(b)

preparing water conservation plans and promote efficient use

of surface water;

Correction of

clerical error.

Power to

summon and

examine

witnesses.

Jurisdiction

under this

Act of Civil

Courts.

Water user

association.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(c)

preparation of demand and collection of water cess.;

(d)

recommending maintenance schedule for water bodies;

(e)

removing encroachment from the canal infrastructure;

(f)

schedule of releasing waters in canals;

(g)

use of village ponds and drains for irrigation purposes;

(h)

identifying the sources of pollution and taking appropriate

action; and

(i)

preparation and implementation of warabandi.

PART X

OFFENCES AND PENALTIES

52.

Whoever, without proper authority, does any of the following acts,

namely:-

(a)

damages, alters, enlarges or constructs any canal or drainage

work;

(b)

interferes with, increases or diminishes the supply of water in

or flow of water from, through, over or under any canal or

drainage work;

(c)

interferes with or alters the flow of water in any river or stream,

so as to endanger, damage or render less useful any canal or

drainage-work;

(d)

being responsible for the maintenance of a watercourse, or

using a watercourse, neglects to take proper precautions for

the prevention of waste of a water thereof, or interferes with

the authorized distribution of the water therefrom, or uses

such water in an unauthorized manner;

(e)

causes any vessel to enter or navigate any canal contrary to

the rules for the time being prescribed by the State Government

for entering or navigating such canal;

(f)

while navigating on any canal, neglects to take proper

precautions for the safety of the canal and of vessel thereon;

(g)

corrupts or fouls the water of any canal;

(h)

destroys or moves any level mark or water gauge fixed by the

authority of a public servant;

Offences

under the

Act.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(i)

passes, or causes animals or vehicles, to pass, on or across

any of the works, banks or channels of a canal or drainage

work contrary to rules made under this Act, after he has been

desired to desist therefrom;

(j)

violates any rule made under this Act for breach whereof a

penalty may be incurred; and

(k)

disobeys any order passed under section 47.

shall, in respect of offences under clauses (a) to (j) are cognizable and be

liable, on conviction to a minimum fine of five thousand rupees but not exceeding

fifty thousand rupees or to imprisonment not exceeding six months or to both.

53.

(1)

Whenever water for irrigation is used by any person in an

unauthorized manner and in respect of offences under clause (k) of section 52,

the Divisional Canal Officer, by an order, shall stop the supply thereof to such

person for full turns during the crop season. In case, any person still continues

to use water in an unauthorized manner, he shall be excluded from the command

area of the canal for a period of two years.

(2)

An appeal against every order passed by the Divisional Canal Officer

shall lie to the Superintending Canal Officer. No appeal shall be entertained,

unless it is filed within a period of thirty days from the date of communication

of such order.

(3)

When supply of water of the person who violates as per sub-

section (1) is stopped, his share of canal water shall be distributed equitably

and proportionately amongst the other shareholders falling in the cultural

commanded area of the canal from where offender is drawing canal water.

54.

Nothing herein contained shall prevent any person from being

prosecuted under any other law for any offence punishable under this Act.

55.

(1)

No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against any

person in respect of anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done

in pursuance of this Act or any rules or orders made thereunder.

(2) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against the State

Government or any other person in respect of any damage caused or likely to

be caused by anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in

pursuance of this Act or rules or orders made thereunder.

Order of the

Divisional

Canal Officer.

Saving of

prosecution

under other

laws.

Protection of

action taken

in good faith.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

56.

Whenever any person is fined for an offence under this Act, the

Magistrate may direct that the whole or any part of such fine may be paid by

way of compensation to the person injured by such offence.

57.

Any person in charge of or employed upon any canal or drainage-

work may remove from the lands or buildings belonging thereto, or may

take into custody without a warrant and take forthwith before a Magistrate or

to the nearest police station, to be dealt with according to law, any person,

who, within his view, commits any of the following offences:-

(a)

willfully damages or obstructs any canal or drainage work; and

(b)

without proper authority interferes with the supply or flow of water in

or from any canal or drainage-work, or in any river or stream, so as to

endanger damage or render less useful any canal or drainage-work.

58.

In this Part, the word 'canal' shall (unless there be something

repugnant in the subject or context) be deemed to include also all lands occupied

by the State Government for the purpose of canals, and all buildings, machinery,

fences, gates and other erections, trees, crops, plantations or other produce

occupied by or belonging to the State Government upon such lands.

PART XI

SUBSIDIARY RULES

59.

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act,

the State Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make

such provisions or give such directions, not inconsistent with the provisions of

this Act, as appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty.

60.

(1)

The State Government may, by notification published in the Official

Gazette, from time to time, make rules for carrying out all or any of the purposes

of this Act.

(2)

In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing

powers, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

(a)

distribution and regulation of supply of water;

(b)

construction of new channels, extension of existing channels,

and abandonment of old channels;

(d)

utilization of water for purposes other than irrigation;

and

Power to

arrest

without

warrant.

Compensation

to the persons

injured.

Definition of

canal.

Power to

remove

difficulties.

Power to

make rules.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

(e)

any other matter which has been or may be prescribed.

61.

(1)

The Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Central Act

VIII of 1873), in its application to the State of Punjab, is hereby repealed.

(2)

Save as provided in sub-section (2) of section 13 of this Act, such

repeal shall not affect-

(a)

any application, appeal or revision pending before the

commencement of this Act or filed thereafter against any order

passed before the commencement of this Act; and

(b)

any right of appeal or revision, if any, in respect of an order

passed under clause (a), and such application, appeal or revision

shall be continued and disposed of by the competent authority

under the provisions of the repealed Act as if this Act had not

been passed

POONAM R JOSHI,

Additional Secretary to Government of Punjab,

Department of Legal and Legislative Affairs.

3001/12-2023/Pb. Govt. Press, S.A.S. Nagar

Repeal and

saving.

PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), DECEMBER 27, 2023

(PAUSA 6, 1945 SAKA)

PART III

GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB

OFFICE OF EXCISE COMMISSIONER PUNJAB, PATIALA

NOTIFICATION

The 26th December, 2023

No. G.S.R. 89/P.A.1/1914/S.59/Amd.(160)/2023.– In exercise of

the powers conferred by section 59 of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914 (Punjab

Act 1 of 1914), read with the Government of Punjab, Department of Excise

and Taxation, Notification No.S.O.59/P.A.1/1914/S.9/2022, dated the 24th June,

2022, and all other powers enabling me in this behalf, I, Varun Roojam, I.A.S.,

Excise Commissioner, exercising the powers of Financial Commissioner, make

the following rules, further to amend the Punjab Liquor License Rules,1956,

namely:-

RULES

(1) These rules may be called the Punjab Liquor License (Fifth

Amendment) Rules, 2023.

(2) They shall come into force on and with effect from the date of their

publication in the Official Gazette.

In the Punjab Liquor License Rules, 1956 in rule 36-AA,-

(i)

in sub-rule (22), for the words, figures and sign “31st August, 2023”

wherever occurring, the words, figures and sign “31st January, 2024”

shall be substituted; and

(ii)

in sub-rule (26), for the words, figures and sign “31st July, 2023”

wherever occurring, the words, figures and sign “31st January, 2024”

shall be substituted.

VARUN ROOJAM,

Excise Commissioner, Punjab.

3001/12-2023/Pb. Govt. Press, S.A.S. Nagar

1411