(1)Other things being equal, but subject to the provisions of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act, 1976 the Municipality may enlarge, alter the course of, lessen arch over or otherwise improve any municipal drain within the municipal area of the Municipality and may discontinue, close up or destroy any such drain which has, in its opinion, become useless or unnecessary, or prohibit the use of any such drain either entirely or for the purpose of foul water drainage or for the purpose of surface drainage :Provided that if, by reason of anything done under this section, any person is deprived of the lawful use of any drain, the Municipality shall, as soon as may be, provide for his use, some other drain, as effectual, as the one, which has been discontinued, closed up or destroyed or the use of which has been prohibited.(2)In relation to the matters referred to in sub-section (1), preference may be given to the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, and the Government may, issue directions to the Municipality in this respect from time to time.
