Rajasthan Irrigation and Drainage Act, 1954 (Act No. XXI of 1954).

This Act provides for regulation of irrigation and drainage in the state of Rajasthan. It provides for the territorial division of the state in Circles, Divisions and Subdivisions for the purposes of this Act. The state government may notify that the water of any river, stream, lake or other natural collection of still water should be used for the purpose of any existing or projected irrigation or drainage work. It provides for compensation to be awarded in certain cases, abatement and enhancement of rent. The irrigation officers are empowered to enter any land to undertake surveys, dig and bore into the sub ̶ soil and other necessary activities. Any person desiring to use the water of any irrigation work may apply in writing to the divisional or sub ̶ divisional irrigation officer. The water supply from an irrigation work shall be subject to conditions as mentioned in the Act. It also provides for liability in case of unauthorized use or wastage of water.
The government may prohibit obstruction of any river, stream or drainage channel or cause such obstruction to be removed. The state government may draw up and publish a scheme for drainage works if it considers such work necessary for the improvement of any lands, or for the proper cultivation or irrigation thereof, or protection from floods or from erosion by a river etc. The Act provides procedure for obtaining labour for irrigation and drainage works and the rates at which such labour can be hired. The Act lays down the offences and penalties and also provides for dispute settlement between two or more persons of their mutual rights or liabilities in respect of the use, construction or maintenance of a water course.