(1) This Act may be called the Kumaun and Garhwal Water (Collection, Retention and Distribution) Act, 1975.
(2) It extends to the whole of Kumaun and Garhwal Divisions except the Kashipur, Bhabar, Rudrapur and Khatima sub-division in the district of Nainital and Kotdwara Bhabar area of Garhwal Divisions.
Definitions 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -
(a) "protected area" means an area demarcated as such under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 4;
(b) "prescribed" means prescribed by this Act or by rules made under this Act;
(c) "water" means water of rivers, streams flowing in natural channels, natural lakes and ponds or reservoirs includes rain water;
(d) "water sources" means natural oozing out of water from underground streams, channels and rivers, lakes, ponds reservoirs and other collections of still water in including rain water;
(e) "water channels" means a channel used for the communication of water for the purposes of human or animal consumption, irrigation or industry, including the running of water mills.
Abolition of the right of the user of water
3. On and from the fifteenth day of July, 1975, all the existing rights (whether customary or otherwise and whether vested in any individual or in village communities) of use of water, if any, in the areas to which this Act extends, shall stand abolished.
1. For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see U. P. Gazette Extraordinary, August 1,
1975.
75 [The Kumaun and Garhwal Water (Collection, Retention and Distribution) Act, 1975] [Section 4-5] Power of State Government to regulate and control water and water resources