This Act, consisting of 43 Sections, is enacted to provide for farmers' participation in the management of irrigation systems by way of forming Pani Panchayats. There shall be a Pani Panchayat called by its local distinct name for every area and the headquarters of such- Pani Panchayat shall be fixed in the same location. Every Farmers' Organization shall be a body corporate with a distinct name. The objects of the farmers' Organization shall be to promote and secure distribution of water among its users, adequate maintenance of the irrigation system, efficient and economical utilization of water to optimize agricultural production, to protect the environment, and to ensure ecological balance by involving the farmers, inculcating a sense of ownership of the irrigation system according to the water budget and the operational plan. The Act further makes provisions for: the funds of the Farmers' Organization, offences and penalties, settlement of disputes, etc.
India · 2002-07-08