Gujarat Assembly passes bill for protection of canal, river water with provision of imprisonment, fine

Gandhinagar: The Government of Gujarat today moved Gujarat Irrigation and Water Discharge Management (Amendment) bill 2019 which was passed by majority. The bill proposes upto Rs. 20,000 fine or six month imprisonment for those creating obstruction in canal by putting engine or other tools. The bill has also provision of upto one year imprisonment or Rs. 50,000 fine or both for one who creates obstruction in canal flow regulation and direction.

One who divert the flow of river or create obstruction would get upto one and half year imprisonment or upto Rs. 1 lakh fine or both. Those creating hole in canal and insert pipe and thereby damage the strength and safety of canal structure will attract upto two years imprisonment or upto Rs. 2 lakh fine.

Minister Saurabh Patel who moved this bill said, canal officers are given power to seize the tools used for lifting water from canal including engines and pipeline. One would be able to get back such seized equipment by paying upto Rs. 1 lakh fine.

DeshGujarat