Section 23 in Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002
23. Protection of lakes, ponds and tanks.
(1)The Authority may notify water bodies like lakes, village ponds and minor irrigation tanks along with nalas (water course or drainage course) as heritage bodies and conservation areas to prevent conversion of their intended use and the authority shall take all measures to permanently demarcate the boundaries through the department of the Government or the organization concerned as per the memoirs of lakes/tanks/ponds/ nalas (water course or drainage course) and shall take measures to evict and prevent encroachment. For this purpose, the Authority may give directions to the concerned department, agency, statutory body or official and upon such direction, the concerned department, agency, statutory body or official shall comply with such directions. The authority may also issue guidelines in this regard and the guidelines shall be complied with by all the concerned.(2)The designated officer shall have the power to prevent and remove encroachments into the demarcated area of the water body.(3)No undesirable wastes including liquid wastes shall be allowed to be dumped in the water bodies by any person or organisation.(4)The Authority shall in consultation with technical experts decide the permissible levels of pollutants which can be allowed into the water bodies.(5)The designated officer shall have the authority to take required steps to prevent and control polluted water entering the water bodies.
