Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (Act VIII of 1873).

This Act regulates irrigation, drainage and canal construction and maintenance waterworks. The Act consists of 11 Parts divided into 75 sections.
The Provincial Government shall be entitled to use and control, for public purposes, the water of all rivers and streams, and of all lakes, subsoil water or other natural collection of still water. Sections 14 and 15 empower Canal Officers acting under the orders of the Provincial Government to enter on any land and use the water for the purpose of any existing or projected canal or drainage-work. Such Officers may clear land, inspect and regulate water-supply, execute all works which may be necessary for the purpose of repairing or preventing accidents, and do all acts necessary for the proper prosecution of any enquiry relating to any existing or projected canal. Any person desiring to use the water of any canal may apply in writing to the Canal Officer as provided for in section 16. Section 20 provides for the supply of water from a canal through an existing water-course or change of source of water supply of any land. Sections 21-29 deal with the following matters: applications for the acquisition of land for construction works; application for the transfer of existing water courses; expenses to be paid by applicants; rules and conditions to be followed by the applicant. Part IV prescribes rules and conditions for the supply of canal water, mainly for purposes of irrigation. In the absence of a written contract, or so far as any such contract does not extend, every supply of canal-water shall be deemed to be given at the rates and subject to the conditions prescribed the rules to be made by the Provincial Government in respect thereof. Water charges and levies are provided for in Part V. Any vessel entering or navigating any canal contrary to the rules of this Act, may be removed or detained by the Divisional Canal Officer, and if any person causes the obstruction of any river, stream or drainage-channel the Government may order the removal or other modification of such obstruction (Part VI and VII). The remaining Parts contain provisions on obtaining labour for canal and drainage works and penalty provisions.