Overview of The Punjab Water Act 2019

The Punjab Water Act 2019

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definitions
• Establishment of the Commission
• Functions of the Commission
• Powers of the Commission
• Duties of Water Undertakers
• Offences and Penalties
• Miscellaneous

Introduction

The Punjab Water Act 2019 is a law that was enacted by the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, in order to regulate the use and management of water resources in the province. The Act establishes the Punjab Water Commission, which is responsible for planning, developing, and managing water resources in the province. The Act also sets out the duties of water undertakers, who are responsible for providing water supplies to consumers. The Act also provides for the punishment of offences related to water resources, such as water pollution and water theft.

Definitions

The Act defines a number of terms, including: * "Water resources" means all surface and groundwater in the province. * "Water undertaker" means a person who is authorized to supply water to consumers. * "Commission" means the Punjab Water Commission. * "Offence" means an act or omission that is punishable under the Act.

Establishment of the Commission

The Act establishes the Punjab Water Commission, which is responsible for planning, developing, and managing water resources in the province. The Commission is composed of a chairperson and not less than four and not more than six members, who are appointed by the Governor of Punjab.

Functions of the Commission

The Commission has a wide range of functions, including: * Planning the development and management of water resources in the province. * Approving water supply schemes. * Issuing licenses to water undertakers. * Monitoring the performance of water undertakers. * Enforcing the provisions of the Act.

Powers of the Commission

The Commission has a number of powers, including: * To enter and inspect any premises where water resources are being used or stored. * To require any person to furnish information relating to water resources. * To take samples of water and to have them analyzed. * To issue directions to water undertakers. * To impose penalties on persons who violate the provisions of the Act.

Duties of Water Undertakers

Water undertakers have a number of duties, including: * To provide water supplies to consumers in an efficient and effective manner. * To maintain the quality of water supplies. * To protect water resources from pollution. * To comply with the directions of the Commission.

Offences and Penalties

The Act provides for a number of offences, which are punishable by fines or imprisonment. Some of the offences include: * Polluting water resources. * Stealing water. * Failing to comply with the directions of the Commission.

Miscellaneous

The Act also contains a number of miscellaneous provisions, such as provisions relating to the appointment of officers and employees of the Commission, and provisions relating to the winding up of water undertakers.