31. Power to prohibit, remove or modify obstructions to the passage of water in channels. -
The [State Government] [Words 'Provincial Government' substituted for the words 'Local Government' by the Government of India (Adaptation of Indian Laws) Order, 1937 and thereafter the word 'State' substituted for the word 'Provincial' by the Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950.] may, if it is of opinion that in any area to be specified in a notification the whole or part of any river, stream, natural water-channel or natural drainage-course should be open to the unrestricted passage of .water, exercise such powers as may be exercised under the Bengal Irrigation Act, 1876, with regard to the prohibition, removal or modification of obstructions in any river, stream, natural water-channel or natural drainage-course, and the provisions contained in that Act with regard to and, subject to the provisions of section 35, incidental to the exercise of such powers shall be applicable mutatis mutandis so far as they may reasonably be applied.
