(1)For providing the area under its control or any part thereof with a supply of water pure and sufficient for public and private purposes, the Grama Panchayat may,-(a)construct, repair and maintain tanks or wells and clear streams or water courses;(b)purchase or acquire by gift or otherwise any tank, well, stream or water course, or any right to take or convey water within or without the area under its control;(c)with the consent of the owner thereof utilise, cleanse or repair any tank, well, stream or water course or provide facilities for obtaining water therefrom;(d)contract with any person for supply of water ,or(e)do any other act for carrying out the purposes of this section.(2)The Grama Panchayat may, by order published at such place as it may think fit, set apart for the supply of water to the public for drinking or culinary purposes, any tank, well, stream or water course in respect of which action has been taken under clause (a) or (b) or (c) of sub-section (1) subject to any rights which the owner referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) may retain with the consent of the Grama Panchayat.(3)The Grama Panchayat may by order published at such place as it may think fit, prohibit,-(a)bathing, washing of clothes and animals or other acts likely to pollute the water of any tank, well, stream or water course set apart for drinking or culinary purpose under sub-section (2), and(b)the use of any source of water supply for drinking or culinary purposes or for the washing of clothes during epidemics.
