(1) Whenever it appears to the Canal-Officer, that unless some work or repair is immediately executed such serious damage will happen to any canal as to cause sudden and extensive public injury or, that unless some clearance of a canal or other work which is necessary in order to maintain the established course of irrigation is immediately executed, serious public loss will occur, and that the labourers necessary for the proper execution of such work, repair or clearance cannot be obtained in the ordinary manner within the time that can be allowed for the execution of the same so as to prevent such injury or loss, the said officer may, by order, direct that the provisions of this section shall be put into operation for the execution of such work, repair or clearance and thereupon every able-bodied person who resides or holds land in or near the locality where such work, repair or clearance has to be executed and whose name appears in the list hereinafter mentioned, shall, if required to do so by such officer or by any person authorised by him in this ---14--- behalf, be bound to assist in the execution of such work, repair or clearance as such officer or any person authorised by him in this behalf may direct.
(2) All persons so labouring shall be entitled to payment at rates which shall not be less than the highest rates for the time being paid in the neighbourhood for similar labour.