Section 24 in The Haryana Canal and Drainage Act, 1974
24. Restoration of demolished or altered etc. watercourses.
(1)If a person demolishes, alters, enlarges or obstructs a watercourse or a temporary watercourse or causes any damages thereto, any person affected thereby may apply to the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer for directing the restoration of the same to its original condition.(2)On receiving an application under sub-section (1) Sub-Divisional Canal Officer may after making such enquiry as he may deem fit, require by notice in writing served on the person found to be responsible for so demolishing, altering, enlarging, obstructing or causing damage, to restore at his own cost, the watercourse or temporary watercourse to its original condition within such period not exceeding twenty-one days, as may be specified in the notice :Provided that in case of a temporary watercourse its restoration shall not be for a period exceeding one year.(3)If such person fails to the satisfaction of the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer, to restore the watercourse or temporary watercourse to its original conditions within the period specified in the notice served on him under sub- section (2) the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer may cause the watercourse or temporary watercourse to be restored to its original condition and recover the cost incurred in respect of such restoration from the defaulting person. The Sub-Divisional Canal Officer may order recovery of a sum not exceeding Rs. 500 from the defaulting person by way of penalty. Out of this sum so recovered the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer may order any amount to be paid to the aggrieved person for the damage caused to him. In case the penalty is not paid the same shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.(4)Any person aggrieved by the order of the Sub-Divisional Canal Officer, may prefer an appeal within fifteen days of the passing of such order to the Divisional Canal Officer, whose decision on such appeal shall be final.(5)Any sum which remains unpaid within a period to be specified for this purpose by the Divisional Canal Officer may be recovered as arrears of land revenue.
