32. Power over waterways, etc.- A Gram Panchayat shall have control of all public streets, waterways, other than canals as defined in sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (VIII of 1873), 1[or any other Act for the time being in force], situate within its jurisdiction not being a private street or waterway and not being under the control of Government or district board or any other authority specified by Government and may do all things necessary for the maintenance and repair thereof, and may-
(a)construct new bridges or culverts;(b)divert, discontinue or close any public street, culvert or bridge;(c)widen, open, enlarge or otherwise improve any public street, culvert or bridge with minimum damage to the neighbouring fields;(d)deepen or otherwise improve waterways;(e)with the sanction of the prescribed authority and where a canal exists under the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (VIII of 1873)1[or any other Act for the time being in force], with the sanction also of such officer of the Irrigation Department as Government may appoint, undertake small irrigation projects;(f)cut any hedge or branch of any tree projecting on a public street;(g)notify the setting apart of any public watercourse for drinking or culinary purposes, and prohibit bathing, washing of clothes and animals or doing of other acts likely to pollute the course so set apart:Provided that nothing shall be done under clause (g) which may affect a canal governed by the Northern India Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 1[or any other Act for the time being in force], without the prior permission of the authority prescribed by Government in this behalf.
