National Environmental (Protection of Watershed, Mountainous, Hilly and Catchment Areas) Regulations, 2009 (S.I. No. 27 of 2011).

These Regulations are made by the Minister of Environment pursuant to the provisions of section 34 of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (Establishment) Act, 2007. These Regulations are made with the objectives to ensure that persons using land in a watershed, mountainous, hilly or catchment area shall observe the carrying capacity of the land; carry out soil conservation measures; carry out measures for the protection of water catchment areas; maintain adequate vegetation cover; and use the best environmentally friendly technologies to minimize significant risks to ecological and landscape aspects. Furthermore, the Agency shall control activities with respect to the subject, which are inconsistent with good land management practices especially in areas prone to floods, drought, desertification, siltation, heavy sediment loads, falling rocks, fires and damage by wind. The Regulations provide that it shall be the responsibility of the Agency in conjunction with States and Local Governments to identify watersheds, mountainous, hilly and catchment areas within each State jurisdiction and indicate those that are at risk of environmental degradation as defined by these Regulations. The Regulations provide restrictions on the use of Watersheds, Mountainous, Hilly and Catchment Areas, and provides instances where such restricted usage would require the application and issuance of a permit. The Regulations create penalties for its contravention.