Section 32(1) in Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act, 2003
(1)Where the committee of a padasekharam applies to the Collector, the Punja Special Officer or any other officer authorised by the Government in that behalf, to arrange for the dewatering of that Padasekharam for the purpose of paddy cultivation, it shall be lawful for the Collector, the Punja Special Officer or such other officer to arrange for the dewatering of such padasekharam and to recover the cost of such dewatering from all the owners of such padasekharam:Provided that arrangement for dewatering shall not be made unless the Irrigation Officer has certified, after due investigation, the safety of the land in a padasekharam.
