Section 291: Use and allocation of ditch water

1) A person who has spent labour or money in the construction of a ditch shall have the first priority to the ditch water for the cultivation of land.

2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), in a place where people have been using the water according to an agreed division between them from time immemorial, all people shall be entitled to use the ditch water according to the division.

3) If the water is sufficient for or no longer required for a person who uses the water pursuant to sub-section (1), another person shall be entitled to use the ditch water for cultivating the land, irrespective of the person to whom the ditch belongs.

4) If the land of a person is irrigated and then water overflows to another’s land, such water may be used even without the consent of the concerned landowner, and no claim shall be entertained for the same.