Chapter 2 - Kerala Govt Logo

Chapter 2Policy, Legislation and Regulation(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)(vii)(viii)To take samples of such soil or other materials or water extracted from such wells.To require by order in writing the persons digging a well to keep and preserve in suchmanner as may be prescribed the samples of soil or materials extracted from there.To examine and take copies of the relevant recordsTo require the user of groundwater to install water measuring instrument in any watersupply machinery.To seize the equipments and instruments used for unauthorized digging and to destroypartially or completely the work done.To require any user of groundwater who does not comply with the provisions of this actand the rules made thereunder to stop any water supply or to destroy any hydraulicwork which is found unauthorized.All the above provisions can be effectively carried out with the participation of Local Bodies,since they are the grass root level implementation agencies of most of the small and mediumprojects. There is also requirement of permission from Local Governments even for small scaleprojects and hence, they have an important role to play in the Kerala Groundwater Act.The Kerala Groundwater (Regulation & Control) Act gives the authority full powers in all waterrelated matters. The provisions contained in the constitution seventy-third and seventy-fourthamendments bills 1992, gives the Local Bodies to take appropriate action in matters related todrinking water, water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes, minorirrigation, water management and water shed development.The Kerala Groundwater Act is silent on the role local government in implementing the variousprovisions of the Act. Now all powers are vested with the Groundwater Authority. This isagainst the spirit of decentralization. Hence, the Kerala Groundwater (Control & Regulation)Act may be modified to an extent that the Local Governments also have the powers in mattersrelated to drinking water, water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes,minor irrigation, water management and water shed developments.2.3.2.7. Kerala Irrigation & Water Conservation Act 2003Local self Governments and water resources department of the State now control themanagement of water resources in Kerala. Panchayati raj Act and Kerala Irrigation & WaterConservation Act 2003 are the legislations empowering these institutions. Governmentintervention in the water resources sector can be broadly classified into two sectors:1. Controlled distribution of water for agriculture2. Water resources preservation & developmentWater resources department has storage and distribution of water for agriculture as one of itsmain functions. The department also undertakes works related to the preservation of waterbodies and river training works. Inland navigation and coastal protection are other areas beingattended to by the Water Resources Department. As irrigation plays an important role in thegrowth of agricultural income of the State, planned development of irrigation that started inthe early fifties focused mainly on large irrigation projects. Of late, 14 to 17 percentage of theinvestment under irrigation is being utilized for Minor Irrigation Schemes. As per the