Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002

{
    "id": 14861,
    "slug": "andhra-pradesh-water-land-and-trees-act-2002",
    "title": "Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002",
    "short_title": "Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002",
    "act_number": "(Act No. 10 of 2002)",
    "act_year": 2002,
    "act_type": "STATE",
    "location": "Andhra Pradesh",
    "law_status": "unknown",
    "enactment_date": null,
    "description": "Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002",
    "preamble": "",
    "section_label": "Section",
    "sections": [
        {
            "number": "1",
            "title": "1. Short title, extent and commencement.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 0
        },
        {
            "number": "2",
            "title": "2. Definitions.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(1) \"Authority\" means the Andhra Pradesh State Water, Land and Trees Authority constituted under Section 3:\n(2) \"Designated Officer\" means an officer or any person so designated by the Authority to perform the functions, under the Act;\n(3) \"Government\" means the State Government of Andhra Pradesh;\n(4) \"Ground water\" means water existing in an aquifer below the surface of the ground at any particular location of the local area regardless of the geological structure in which it is stationery or moving and includes all ground water reservoirs;\n(5) \"Ground water basin\" means an area confined within such geological boundaries which will act as water divides and identified and notified by the Authority;\n(6) \"Industry\" means an activity wherein goods are produced by physical or chemical processes;\n(7) \"Landscape\" includes all forms of trees, shrubs, grasses planted and water bodies to enhance aesthetic value;\n(8) \"Notification\" means a notification published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette and the word \"notified\" shall be construed accordingly;\n(9) \"Over exploited basin\" means a ground water basin so declared by the Authority on the advise of the technical expert who duly consider the quantum and pattern of rainfall, degree of extraction of ground water and any other relevant factor while advising the Authority;\n(10) \"Prescribed\" means prescribed by rules made under this Act;\n(11) \"Preservation of trees\" includes planting of new trees and transplanting trees to other sites, including protection measures such as fence, tree guards etc;\n(12) \"Public drinking water source\" means a well, from which the Government or any local authority or such other authority as the Government may by notification specify, provides water to the public and includes such well or any other drinking water source as may be notified by the Authority;\n(13) \"Public water supply system\" means the structures relating to a public drinking water source, including conveying pipeline, storage reservoir, stand post, cistern, hand pump, power pump and all other materials connected thereto through which water is supplied for drinking purpose;\n(14) \"Sink\" with all its grammatical variations and cognate expressions in relation to a well includes any drilling boring or digging of a new well or deepening carried out to an existing well;\n(15) \"State\" means the State of Andhra Pradesh;\n(16) \"Surface water\" means water occurring on the land surface in ponds, lakes, streams and rivers;\n(17) Technical Officer' means a subject specialist to designated by the Authority to give advice on technical matters;\n(18) To fell a tree' includes burning, cutting, debarking girdling and release of harmful chemicals and such other operations which cause damage to any part of the tree;\n(19) Tree' means any woody plant, whose branches spring from and are supported upon a trunk or body and whose trunk or body is not less than 5.5 cm. in diameter and is not less than one metre in height from the ground level; and includes young saplings and seedlings etc.. which are planted at sites.\n(20) \"Urban Area\" means a development area declared as such under the Andhra Pradesh Urban Areas (Development) Act, 1975 or a Municipal Corporation constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Corporations Act, 1994 or the Hyderabad Municipal Corporations Act, 1955 or a Municipality or a notified area committee constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1965 and includes such town or village or area declared to be an Urban area for the purpose of this Act, by a notification, by the Government;\n(21) \"Water shed\" means an area confined within the topographic water divide line as identified and notified by the authority from time to time for the purposes of this Act;\n(22) \"Well\" means a well sunk for the search and extraction of ground water and includes a dug well, bore well, dug-cum-bore well, tube well, and filter point;\n(23) Words and expressions used in this Act, but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to them in the relevant Acts.\nChapter 2\nConstitution of Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Authority",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": true,
            "sort_order": 1
        },
        {
            "number": "3",
            "title": "3. Constitution of Water, Land and Trees Authority.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a)\nMinister, Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and\n\t\t\t\tRural Water Supply or any other Minister, nominated by the Chief\n\t\t\t\tMinister.\nEx-Officio  Chairperson\n(b)\nThree Members of the State Legislative Assembly,\n\t\t\t\tnominated by the Government out of which one shall be from the\n\t\t\t\tmain opposition political party.\nEx-Officio Members\n(c)\nChief Secretary to the Government\nVice- Chairperson\n(d)\nSecretary to the Government in charge of\n\t\t\t\tAgriculture.\nEx-Officio Member\n(e)\nSecretary to the Government in charge of\n\t\t\t\tIrrigation and Command Area Development.\nEx-Officio Member\n(f)\nSecretary to the Government in charge of\n\t\t\t\tMunicipal Administration\nEx-Officio Member\n(g)\nSecretary to the Government in charge of Rural\n\t\t\t\tWater Supply\nEx-Officio Member\n(h)\nSecretary to the Government in charge of\n\t\t\t\tPanchayat Raj\nEx-Officio Member\n(i)\nSecretary to the Government incharge of\n\t\t\t\tEnvironment, Forests, Science and Technology Department.\nEx-Officio Member\n(j)\nVice-Chancellor, Acharya N.G. Ranga\n\t\t\t\tAgricultural University\nEx-Officio Member\n(k)\nThree Professors of whom one each from the\n\t\t\t\tfaculties of Life Sciences, Earth sciences and Engineering and\n\t\t\t\tTechnology from the Universities in the State nominated by the\n\t\t\t\tGovernment for a two year term by rotation.\nMembers\n(l)\nThree experts in the field of water and soil\n\t\t\t\tconservation and economics nominated by the Government\nMembers\n(m)\nSuch other non-official persons not exceeding\n\t\t\t\tfive in number who, in the opinion of the Government are\n\t\t\t\tinterested in the conservation of natural resources of whom one\n\t\t\t\teach shall be from the Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes and\n\t\t\t\tWoman respectively.\nMembers\n(n)\nSecretary to the incharge of Rural Secretary\n\t\t\t\tDevelopment\nEx-Officio Government Member",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 2
        },
        {
            "number": "4",
            "title": "4. Meetings of the Authority.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 3
        },
        {
            "number": "5",
            "title": "5. Officers and servants.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 4
        },
        {
            "number": "6",
            "title": "6. Functions of the Authority.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) promote water conservation and enhancement of tree cover in the State;\n(b) regulate the exploitation of ground and surface water in the State.\n(c) make regulations for the functioning of the authorities at [District Division and Mandal level] constituted under the Act;\n(d) advise the Government on the legislative and administrative measures to be taken from time to time for the conservation of natural resources;\n(e) advise on economic measures to be taken by the Government as incentives or disincentives relating to taxes, levies, fees or other charges to promote conservation of natural resources;\n(f) advise on strengthening public participation in conservation of natural resources from time to time in such a way that equity in access to water in different basins, sub-basins and regions in the State is maintained;\n(g) advise on any other matter that may be referred to it by the Government; and\n(h) advise the Government on the constitution and functions of the [District Division and Mandal level] Authorities.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 5
        },
        {
            "number": "7",
            "title": "7. Delegation of Powers.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter 3\nGround Water Protection Measures",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 6
        },
        {
            "number": "8",
            "title": "8. Registration of well.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 7
        },
        {
            "number": "9",
            "title": "9. Prohibition of water pumping in certain areas.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 8
        },
        {
            "number": "10",
            "title": "10. Permission for well sinking nor drinking water source.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 9
        },
        {
            "number": "11",
            "title": "11. Over exploited areas.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 10
        },
        {
            "number": "12",
            "title": "12. Protection of public drinking water sources.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) enter upon such land as he may think necessary for the said purpose:\n(b) undertake surveys or take water levels:\n(c) conduct pumping tests and geophysical surveys;\n(d) conduct well logging on the bore;\n(e) install and maintain water levels recorded and water gauges on the well; and\n(f) do all such other things as may be necessary for pursuing such inquiry and examination;\n(a) Prohibiting extraction of water for sale from an over exploited water source or aquifer or residential areas or in the recharge zones of residential areas depleting the public or private water sources and affecting the supply of water for domestic usage;\n(b) Prohibiting the drawl of the ground water within the premises of multi-storied buildings for sale of water outside the premises of such multi-storied buildings.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 11
        },
        {
            "number": "13",
            "title": "13. Distance and depth for sinking of wells.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 12
        },
        {
            "number": "14",
            "title": "14. Registration of drilling rigs.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 13
        },
        {
            "number": "15",
            "title": "15. Closure of wells.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 14
        },
        {
            "number": "16",
            "title": "16. Compensation for closed wells.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 15
        },
        {
            "number": "17",
            "title": "17. Rain water harvesting structures.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 16
        },
        {
            "number": "18",
            "title": "18. Re-use of water.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 17
        },
        {
            "number": "19",
            "title": "19. Prohibition of water contamination.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter 4\nSurface Water Protection Measures",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 18
        },
        {
            "number": "20",
            "title": "20. Land use and water quality.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 19
        },
        {
            "number": "21",
            "title": "21. Water use in watersheds.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 20
        },
        {
            "number": "22",
            "title": "22. Optimum use of surface and ground water.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 21
        },
        {
            "number": "23",
            "title": "23. Protection of lakes, ponds and tanks.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 22
        },
        {
            "number": "24",
            "title": "24. Ceiling on water usage.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 23
        },
        {
            "number": "25",
            "title": "25. Power to designate.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 24
        },
        {
            "number": "26",
            "title": "26. Protection from breaches.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 25
        },
        {
            "number": "27",
            "title": "27. Sand-mining.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter 5\nTrees",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 26
        },
        {
            "number": "28",
            "title": "28. Tree plantation in urban areas.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 27
        },
        {
            "number": "29",
            "title": "29. Protection of trees.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 28
        },
        {
            "number": "30",
            "title": "30. Tree plantations by Government departments etc.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 29
        },
        {
            "number": "31",
            "title": "31. Sheep and goat farming.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 30
        },
        {
            "number": "32",
            "title": "32. Tree protection in fringe areas.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 31
        },
        {
            "number": "33",
            "title": "33. Appeals.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Explanation.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 32
        },
        {
            "number": "34",
            "title": "34. Protection of action taken in good faith.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "Chapter 6\nMiscellaneous",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 33
        },
        {
            "number": "35",
            "title": "35. Penalties.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 34
        },
        {
            "number": "36",
            "title": "36. Service of notices.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 35
        },
        {
            "number": "37",
            "title": "37. Compounding of offences.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(i) a sum of money as may be prescribed, by way of compounding of the offence.\n(ii) the Authority or Designated Officer or any other officer authorized by the Government in this regard, as the case may be, may reject to compound the offence for the reasons recorded in writing:\n(iii) the Authority or Designated Officer or any officer authorized by the Government in this regard, as the case may be, shall pass order to compound the offence or otherwise within a period as may be prescribed:",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 36
        },
        {
            "number": "38",
            "title": "38. Seizure of property liable of confiscation.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) a notice in writing informating him of the grounds on which it is proposed to confiscate such property:\n(b) an opportunity of making a representation in writing within such reasonable time as may be specified in the notice against the grounds for confiscation; and\n(c) a reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 37
        },
        {
            "number": "39",
            "title": "39. Overriding effect.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 38
        },
        {
            "number": "40",
            "title": "40. Exemptions.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 39
        },
        {
            "number": "41",
            "title": "41. The Fund.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "(a) all cesses or surcharges levied and collected under the Act;\n(b) all penalties received by the Authority as prescribed under the Act;\n(c) all money received by the Authority as fees prescribed under the Act;\n(d) all grants made by the Government.",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 40
        },
        {
            "number": "42",
            "title": "42. Budget.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 41
        },
        {
            "number": "43",
            "title": "43. Accounts and Audit.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 42
        },
        {
            "number": "44",
            "title": "44. Powers to remove doubts and difficulties.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 43
        },
        {
            "number": "45",
            "title": "45. Powers to make rules.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 44
        },
        {
            "number": "46",
            "title": "46. Repeal of Ordinance 15 of 2000.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 45
        },
        {
            "number": "47",
            "title": "47. Repeal of Act 7 of 1996.",
            "chapter": null,
            "content": "",
            "footnote": "",
            "is_definition": false,
            "sort_order": 46
        }
    ],
    "metadata": {
        "Act ID": "Last Updated 26th August, 2019 [ap506]",
        "Act Number": "(Act No. 10 of 2002)",
        "Enactment Date": "",
        "Act Year": "2002",
        "Short Title": "Andhra Pradesh Water, Land and Trees Act, 2002",
        "Type": "STATE",
        "Location": "Andhra Pradesh"
    },
    "updated_at": "2026-09-29 21:55:18"
}