¹[44B. Removal of obstruction in inland water.--(1) The competent officer may remove, or cause to be removed, any timber, raft or other thing, floating or being in any part of the inland water, which, in his opinion, obstructs or impedes the free navigation thereof or the lawful use of any landing place or embarkment or part thereof.
     (2) The owner of any such timber, raft or other thing shall be liable to pay the reasonable expenses of the removal thereof, and if such owner or any other person has without lawful excuse caused any such obstruction or impediment, or causes any public nuisance affecti ng or likely to affect such free navigation or lawful use, he shall also be punishable -with fine, which may extend to one hundred rupees.
     (3) The competent officer or any magistrate having jurisdiction over the offence may cause any such nuisance to be abated.]