Section 5 in The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Act, 1978
5. Functions of the Board.
(1)The Board shall perform all or any of the following functions, namely:-(a)promoting or securing the planned development, efficient operation, maintenance and regulation of water supply and sewerage system in the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area;(b)preparing long term plans to meet the future requirements of water supply and sewerage in the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area, based on estimates of demand, surveys on availabilities and usage of water and other relevant matters and periodically reviewing, revising and bringing up-to-date such plans;(c)undertaking developmental activities with a view to meet the future requirements of water supply and sewerage in the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area;(d)operating and maintaining the water supply and sewerage services in the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area to the best advantage of the inhabitants of that area;(e)such functions relating to water supply or sewerage as the Government may, by notification, entrust to the Board provided that such entrustment shall be with the Board's concurrence, if it does not relate to anything to be done in respect of the Chennai Metropolitan Area;(f)any other matter which is supplemental, incidental or consequential to any of the above functions; and(g)such other functions as may be entrusted to the Board by or under any other law for the time being in force.(2)In the discharge of its functions, the Board shall-(a)have due regard to public health, safety and convenience of the public;(b)consult and collaborate with the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Development Authority in regard to planning and undertaking development activities connected with the water supply and sewerage systems for the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area and extend full assistance to and co-operate with the local authority in relation to matters connected with water supply systems or water works or sewerage works or road works or similar works;(c)be guided by such instructions on questions of policy involving public interest as may be given to it by the Government and in case of any difference of opinion as to whether a question is or is not a question of policy involving public interest, the decision of the Government thereon shall be final.(3)Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall exercise all powers, perform all functions and carry out duties in respect of water supply and sewerage systems in the [Chennai] [Substituted for the word 'Madras' by the City of Madras (Alteration of Name) Act, 1996 (Tamil Nadu Act 28 of 1996).] Metropolitan Area to the exclusion of any department of the Government or any other existing authority.(4)The Board shall endeavour to be financially self-supporting, and shall for this purpose so conduct its affairs that its income is adequate to meet all its outgoings, provisions for or allocations towards future obligations and costs.(5)The Board shall furnish, from time to time, to the Government such returns and information as the Government may require.
