State of Rajasthan - Act
The Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954
RAJASTHAN
India
India
The Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954
Act 21 of 1954
- Published on 9 October 1961
- Commenced on 9 October 1961
- [This is the version of this document from 9 October 1961.]
- [Note: The original publication document is not available and this content could not be verified.]
1. Short title and extent.
2. Commencement.
- It shall come into force on such [date] [Came into force from 1st April, 1956 vide Notification No.F.2 (108) Irg. 52, dated 22.3.1956.] and in such areas as the State Government may by notification in the [Official Gazette] [Substituted by Rajasthan Act 27 of 1957.] specify from time to time.3. Interpretation.
4. Territorial divisions and appointment of officers.
Part II – Of the Application of Water for Public Purposes
5. Notification to issue when water supply is to be applied for public purposes.
- 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 of still water should be applied or used by the State Government for the purpose of any existing or projected irrigation 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 not being earlier than three months from the date thereof.6. Powers of irrigation officers.
- At any time after the day so named any irrigation officer, acting under the orders of the State Government in this behalf, may enter on any land or remove any obstructions and may close any channels, and do any other thing necessary for such application or use of the said water.7. Notice inviting claims for compensation.
- As soon as is practicable after the issue of such notification, the Collector shall cause public notice to be given-at convenient places, stating that the State Government intends to apply or use the said water as aforesaid, and that claims for compensation in respect of the matters mentioned in section 8 may be made before him.8. Matter for which compensation shall not be or may be awarded.
9. Limitation of claims.
- No claim for compensation for any such stoppage, diminution or damage shall be made after the expiration of one year from such stoppage, diminution or damage, unless the Collector is satisfied that the claimant had sufficient cause for not making the claim within such period.10. Enquiry into claims and amount of compensation.
11. Abatement of rent on interruption of water supply.
- Every tenant holding under an unexpired lease, or having a right of occupancy, who is in occupation of any land at the time when any stoppage or diminution of water supply, in respect of which compensation is allowed under section 8, takes place, may claim an abatement of the rent previously payable by him for the said land, on the ground that the interruption reduces the value of the holding.12. Enhancement of rent on restoration of water supply.
13. Compensation when due.
Part III – On the Construction and Maintenance of Works
14. Power to enter etc.
15. Power to enter for repairs and prevent accidents.
16. Application by persons desiring to use water.
17. [State Government] [Substituted by Rajasthan Act 27 of 1957.] to provide means of crossing irrigation works.
18. Persons using water course to construct works passing water across roads etc.
18A. [ Power to construct and maintain water courses and recover the cost there of. [Inserted by Rajasthan Act 21 of 1960.]
19. Adjustment of claims between persons jointly using water course.
20. Supply of water through intervening water course.
21. Application for construction of new water course.
- Any person desiring the construction of a new water course may apply in writing to the Divisional Irrigation officer stating-22. Procedure of irrigation officer thereupon.
- If the Divisional Irrigation Officer considers-23. Application for transfer of existing water course.
24. Objection to construction or transfer applied for.
25. When applicant may be placed in occupation.
- If no such objection is made, or (where such objection is made) if the Collector over-rules it, he shall give notice to the Divisional Irrigation Officer and shall proceed to place the said applicant in occupation of the land marked out or of the water course to be transferred, as the case may be.26. Procedure when objection is held valid.
- If the Collector considers any objection made as aforesaid to be valid, he shall inform the Divisional Irrigation Officer accordingly, and, if such officer see fit, he may, in the case of an application under section 21, alter the boundaries of the land so marked, out and may give fresh notice under section 22.27. Procedure when irrigation officer disagrees with Collector.
- If the irrigation officer disagrees with the Collector, the matter shall be referred to the [revenue appellate authority] [Substituted by Rajasthan Act 8 of 1962 w.e.f. 16-11-1961.] for decision. Such decision shall be final and the Collector, if so directed, shall, subject to the provisions of section 28, cause the said applicant to be placed in occupation of the land so marked out or of the water course to be transferred, as the case may be.28. Expenses to be paid by applicant.
29. Conditions binding on applicant placed in occupation.
30. Procedure applicable to occupation for extensions and alterations.
- The procedure hereinbefore provided for the occupation of land for the construction of a water course shall be applicable to the occupation of land for any extension or alteration of a water course, and for the deposit o f soil from water course clearances.Part IV – On the Supply of Water
31. Water supply to be subjected to rules.
- In the absence of a written contract, or so far as any such contract does not extend, every supply of water from an irrigation work shall be deemed to be given at the rates and subject to the conditions prescribed by the rules to be made by the State Government in respect thereof.32. Conditions of water supply.
- Such contracts and rules must be consistent with the following conditions:-Part V – Of Water Rates
33. Liability when persons using authorizedly cannot be identified.
- If water supplied through a water course be used in an unauthorised manner, and if the person by whose act or neglect such use has occurred, cannot be identified, the person on whose land such water has flowed, if such land has derived benefit therefrom, or if such person cannot be identified, or if such land has not derived benefit, therefrom, all the persons chargeable in respect of the water supplied through such water course, shall be liable or jointly liable, as the case may be, to the charges made for such use.34. Liability when water runs to waste.
- If water supplied through a water course be suffered to run to waste, and if, after inquiry by the Divisional Irrigation 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 the water supplied through such course, shall be jointly liable for the charges made in respect of the water so wasted.35. Charges recoverable in addition to penalties.
36. Charge on occupier for water how determined.
37. "Owner's rate".
- In addition to the occupier's rate, a rate, to be called the "owner's rate", maybe imposed, according to rules to be made by the State Government, on the owners of irrigated lands, in respect of the benefit which they derive from such irrigation.38. Amount of owner's rate.
- The owner's rate shall not exceed the sum which, under the rules for the time being in force for the assessment of land revenue, might be assessed on such land, on account of the increase in the annual value or produce thereof caused by the irrigation, and for the purpose of this section only, land which is held free of revenue, shall be considered as though it were temporarily settled and liable to payment of revenue.39. Owner's rate, when not chargeable.
- No owner's rate shall be chargeable either on the owner or occupier of land temporarily assessed to pay land revenue at irrigation rates during the currency of such assessment.40. Certified dues recoverable as land revenue.
- Subject to the provisions of section 41, any sum lawfully due under this part, and certified by the Divisional Irrigation Officer to be so due, which remains unpaid after the day on which it becomes due, shall be recoverable by the Collector from the person liable for the same, as if it were an arrear of land revenue.41. Lambardars or Patels may be required to collect irrigation dues.
- The Collector may require the Lambardar or Patel, if any, of any local area to collect any sums payable under this Act in respect of any land or water in such local area, and deposit the amount so collected in the State Treasury, as directed by the Collector, and in the event of any person failing to pay any sum so required, it shall be recovered from him as an arrear of land revenue.Part VI – Of Drainage
42. Power to prohibit obstructions or order their removal.
43. Power to remove obstructions after prohibition.
44. Preparation of schemes for works of improvement.
- 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, the State Government may cause a scheme for such drainage works to be drawn up and published together with an estimate of its cost and a statement of the proportion of such cost which the State Government proposes to defray and a schedule the lands which it is proposed to make chargeable in respect of the scheme45. Power of persons employed on such scheme.
- The persons authorised by the State Government to draw up such scheme may exercise all or any of the powers conferred on irrigation officers by section 14.46. Rate of lands benefited by works.
47. Recovery of rate.
- Any such drainage rate may be collected and recovered in manner provided by sections 40 and 41 for the collection and recovery of water rates.48. Disposal of claims to compensation.
- Whenever in pursuance of a notification made under section 42, any obstruction is removed or modified, or whenever any drainage work is carried out under section 44, 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 section 10.49. Limitation of such claims.
- No such claim shall be entertained after the expiration of one year from the occurrence of the loss complained of unless the Collector is satisfied that the claimant had sufficient cause for not making the claim within such period.Part VII – Of Obtaining Labour for Irrigation and Drainage Works
50. Power to prescribe number of labourers to be supplied by persons benefited by irrigation works.
51. Procedure for obtaining labour for works urgently required.
Part VIII – Of Jurisdiction
52. Jurisdiction under this Act of Civil Courts.
- Except where herein 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 water to any crop sown or growing at the time of such order.53. Settlement of reference as to mutual rights and liabilities of persons interested in water course.
54. Power to summon and examine witness.
- Any officer empowered under this Act to conduct any inquiry 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 inquiry shall be deemed a judicial proceeding.Part IX – Of Offenses and Penalties
55. Offenses under Act.
- Whoever, without proper authority and voluntarily does any of the acts following, that is to say-56. Saving of prosecution under other laws.
- Nothing herein contained shall prevent any person from being prosecuted under any other law for any offence punishable under this Act:provided that no person shall be punished twice for the same offence.57. Compensation to persons injured.
- 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.58. Power to arrest without warrant.
- Any person in charge of, or employed upon, any irrigation or drainage work may remove from the lands or buildings belonging thereto, or may take into custody 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,-59. Definition of 'Irrigation work'.
- In this part the expression "irrigation work" (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 irrigation works, 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 X – Of Subsidiary Rules
60. Power to make rules.
1. [Notification No. F. 4(12) RCPD/61, dated 9-10-1961, published in Rajasthan Gazette Extraordinary, Part IV-C, dated 9-10-61]. - In exercise of the powers conferred on it by sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 4 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Rajasthan Act 21 of 1954), the State Government hereby does, for the purposes of the Act,-
2. [Notification No. F. (15)(1)(183) Irrg/72, dated 3-2-1975, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part IV-C, dated 29-5-75, page 90]. - S.O. 151. - In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (4) of Section 4 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Rajasthan Act 21 of 1954), the State Government hereby declares that the Area Development Commissioner for the Command Areas as specified in column 2 of the table given below, shall exercise all powers and shall perform all duties of the Irrigation Officers is may be conferred or imposed them under the said Act within the local limits of their respective Command Areas as shown in Column 3 of the table namely:
Table| S. No. | Name of Officers | Local Limits |
| 1. | Area Development Commissioner, Bikaner | Entire Command Area to be developed underworld Bank Programmein Rajasthan Canal Project. |
| 2. | Area Development Commissioner, Kota. | Entire Command Area to be developed under World BankProgramme in Chambal Project. |
3. [Notification No. F. 28(2)/Ing/73, dated 6-6-1973, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part IV-C, dated 31-1-1974, page 128]. - S.O. 118. - In exercise of the powers conferred under section 4(3) (ii) of Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. 21 of 1954), the State Government hereby appoints the following officer to exercise control over the Irrigation and Drainage works, relating to the waters of Chaggar River within their respective jurisdiction:-
1. The Superintending Engineer, Bikaner Irrigation Circle, Sri Ganganagar.
2. The Executive Engineer, Ghaggar Flood Control Dn. Hanumangarh Jn. and all Officials subordinate to him.
3. The Executive Engineer, Hanumangarh Dn. and all Officials subordinate to him.
4. The Executive Engineer, Pilibangan Dn. and all Officials subordinate to him.
5. The Executive Engineer, Gang Canal South Dn. and all Officials subordinate to him.
4. [Notification No. F. 29(1) Irrig/79, Part II, dated 4-12-1979, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part IV-C, dated 20-3-80, page 446]. - G.S.R. 165. - In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 4 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. XXI of 1954) the State Government hereby notify that the Executive Engineer Irrigation deputed for the works of lining of Water courses and on farm development in Gang and Bhakra Canal System shall also function as Divisional Irrigation Officer.
5. [Notification No. F. 7(11) Irrg./MK/92, dated 8-6-95, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part I-B, dated 13-6-95, page 159(43)]. - In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ii) of sub-section (3) of section 4 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. 21 of 1954), the Government of Rajasthan hereby appoints the following officers to exercise control over irrigation and drainage works relating to the water of Ghaggar river within their respective circles/divisions, namely:-
1. Superintending Engineer. Irrigation Circle, Shri Ganganagar.
2. Superintending Engineer, Irrigation Circle, Hanumangarh Junction.
3. Executive Engineer, Ghaggar Flood Control Division, Suratgarh Junction.
4. Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division-I, Hanumangarh Junction.
5. Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division II, Hanumangarh Junction.
6. Executive Engineer, Irrigation Gang Canal South Canal (South Division), Sri Ganganagar.
6. [Notification No. F. 8(96) Irrg./60, dated 19-8-1960, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part I B, dated 8-9-1960, page 287]. - By virtue of the powers vested in the State Government by S. 18(A) of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage (Amendment) Act, 1960 (Act XXI of 1960), the State Government hereby notifies that the provisions of the said section shall apply with immediate effect to the territory commanded by the Chambal Irrigation Project viz., tehsils of Bundi, Talera, and Patan of district Bundi and tehsils of Ladpura, Digod, Anta, Barod, Mangrol, itawa, Pipalda and Baran of district Kota.
7. [Notification No. D. 5908/F 6(67) Irrg./59, dated 13-7-1959, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part I-B, dated 30-7-1959, page 251]. - Whereas it appears to the State Government that injury to lands, public health and public convenience is likely to be caused from obstructions on the natural stream feeding the Galjor Bund in Tehsil Phalodi (Distt. Jodhpur) Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred under section 42 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act. No. XXI of 1954), the State Government hereby prohibits the formation of any new obstructions and order the removal of old obstructions from the source of the said nullah at one extremity to the point it meets the galjor Bund at the other extremity.
8. [Notification No. F. 28(2) Irrg./73, dated 6-6-1973, published in Rajasthan Gazette Extraordinary Part IV-C(ii), dated 9-6-73, page 68-69]. - S.O. 30. - In exercise of the powers conferred under section 42 of the Rajasthan Irrigation & Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. 21 of 1954), the State Government hereby prohibits formation of any obstruction which may obstruct or cause obstruction to the flow in or along the Ghaggar River bed from stone line 198/272 Chak 18 CDR upto Indo Pak border beyond Chak 94 GB and orders the removal of such obstructions, if any, within this limit.
9. [Notification No. F. 28(2) Irrg./73, dated 6-6-1973, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part IV-C, dated 31-1-74, page 129]. - S.O. 119. - In exercise of the powers conferred under section 42 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. 21 of 1954), the State Government hereby prohibits formation of any obstruction with may obstruct or cause obstruction to the flow in or along the Ghaggar River bed from stone line 198/272 Chak 18 CDR upto Indo-Pak border beyond Chak 94 GB and orders the removal of such obstructions, if any, within this limit.
10. [Notification No. F. 13(3) Irrg./73, dated 3-12-1975, published in Rajasthan Gazette Extraordinary Part IV-C, dated 19 2-76, page 854(104)]. - G.S.R. 250(22). - In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (d) and (c) of sub-section (i) of Section 60 read with section 36 of the Rajasthan Irrigation & Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. XXI of 1954) the Government of Rajasthan hereby makes the following amendment in Schedule II of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Rules. 1955 as substituted by this Department. Notification No. F. 13(6) Irrg./73, dated 22-11-1974, namely:-
AmendmentExisting rates for Pre 1952 Irrigation works (Column No. 4) of the said Schedule shall be substituted as under:-| S. No. | Crop | Pre 1952 Irrigation works except inundation Irrigation | Pre 1952 Irrigation works JurisdictionIrrigation |
| Per Acre (Rs.) | Per Acre (Rs. | ||
| 1. | Sugarcane | 30.00 | 12.00 |
| 2. | Rice | 14.00 | 5.00 |
| 3. | Cotton | 20.00 | 12.00 |
| 4 | Maize | 7.00 | 5.00 |
| 5. | Bajra | 7.00 | 5.00 |
| 6. | Jawar | 7.00 | 5.00 |
| 7. | Pulses | 12.00 | 9.00 |
| 8. | Garden | 34.00 Per Year | 16.00 |
| 9. | Gowar | 12.00 | 7.20 |
| 10. | Simmhemp & Grass | 12.00 | 9.00 |
| 11. | Vegetables | 14.00 | 8.00 |
| 12. | Other Kharif Crops | 12.00 | 9.00 |
| 13. | Wheat | 12.00 | 7.20 |
| 14. | Barley | 7.00 | 5.00 |
| 15. | Gochani & Bejar | 12.00 | 8.00 |
| 16. | (a) Gram (1st Watering) | 7.00 | 8.00 |
| (b) Gram (2 & more watering) | 12.00 | 8.00 | |
| 17. | Palewa | 4.00 | |
| 18. | Fodder | 12.00 | 7.20 |
| 19. | Oil seeds | 12.00 | 9.00 |
| 20. | Water nuts | 17.00 | 9.00 |
| 21. | Indigo & other dyes | 12.00 | 9.00 |
| 22. | Tobacco | 15.00 | 9.00 |
| 23. | Lucerne & Poppy | 15.00 | 8.00 |
| 24. | Zeera | 13.00 | 8.00 |
| 25. | Other Rabi Crops | 12.00 | 9.00 |
11. [Notification No. F. 13(4) Irrg./76, dated 18-3-1976, published in Rajasthan Gazette Part IV-C, dated 13-5-76, page 131(56)]. - G.S.R. 15(6). - In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (d) and (e) of sub-section (1) of Section 60 read with Section 36 of the Rajasthan Irrigation & Drainage Act. 1954 (Act No. XXI of 1954), the State Government hereby makes the following amendment in Schedule II of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Rules, 1955 as substituted by this Department Notification No. F. 13(6) Irg/73, dated 22-11-1974 and No. F. 13(3) Irg./73, dated 3-12-75, namely:-
AmendmentIn the said Schedule II at Serial Numbers 1,2, 13, 14, 15, 16(a) and 16(b) the existing rates for (a) Gang Canal, Bhakra, Ghaggar and Rajasthan Canal (Irrigation under Perennial channels) (b) Chambal Canal area and all works constructed after 1st January, 1952 and all works in the area of former States of Banswara, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh, Pre-1952 Irrigation works except inundation Irrigation and Pre-1952 Irrigation works -Inundation Irrigation (Columns 3, 4 & 5) said in respect of following crops shall be substituted as under:-| S.No. | Name of Crop | (a) Gang Canal, Bhakra, Ghaggar and Rajasthan Canal.(Irrigation under Perennial channels)(b) ChambalCanal area and all works constructed after 1st January 1953 andall works in the area of former states of Banswara, Dungarpurand Pratapgarh. | Pre-1952 Irrigation works except inundationirrigation | Pre-1952 Irrigation on works inundationIrrigation |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1. | Sugarcane | 40 | 35 | 15 |
| 2. | Rice | 28 | 16 | 7 |
| 13. | Wheat | 21 | 15 | 9 |
| 14. | Barley | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| 15. | Gochani & Bejar | 20 | 15 | 10 |
| 16. | (a) Gram (one watering) | 14 | 12 | 12 |
| 16. | (b) Gram (two & more watering) | 20 | 17 | 13 |
12. [Notification No. F. 13(4) Irrig/79, dated 25th September, 1980, published in Rajasthan Gazette, Part IV-C, dated 2-10-1980, page 352]. - S.O. 396. - In partial modification of the department notification of even number dated 1-1-1980 and in exercise of the powers conferred by section 60 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act XXI of 1954) read with sub-rule (4) of Rule 31 of the Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Rules, 1955, the State Government hereby prescribe the following due dates for the purpose of the said rule, namely:-
| 1. | For current demand i.e. for the Rabi and Kharif ofthe financial year 1979-80 alongwith the arrears prior to thedate of 15th December, 1979 | Upto 31st March, 1980 |
| 2. | For the Subsequent years:- | |
| Rabi | Upto 30th Sept. | |
| Kharif | Upto 31st March |