Mountain Catchment Areas Act
No.63 of 1970
The conservation, use, management and control of mountain catchment areas is encouraged. The management of mountain catchment areas will maintain sustained yields of quality streamflow, nature conservation, fire hazard reduction, afforestation, grazing, tourism and recreational opportunity. The owner of the designated land must manage that land through prevention of soil erosion, removal of exotic vegetation and fire protection.
Vegetation cover is one of the main factors in increasing the stability of landslide slopes. The hydrological behaviour of a catchment changes due to the reductions in rainfall interception and transpiration following the removal of vegetation. During storms event, some rainfall is intercepted by plants, the remaining part, reaching the hillslopes, slow down to forested land decreasing erosional processes. Woody alien plants in the mountain catchment areas must be eradicated since they have an impact on indigenous flora and water yields. The fire protection committees must be established.
Chapter 1. Definitions
Chapter 2. Declaration of mountain catchment areas
The Minister may by notice define any area and declare it to be a mountain catchment area. (S)he may also from time to time by like notice alter the boundaries of any mountain catchment area or withdraw any notice whereby a mountain area was established.
2A. Beacons
Chapter 3. Directions with reference to land
Chapter 4. Compensation payable in respect of patrimonial loss caused by
complying with directions
Chapter 5. Exemption of certain land situated in mountain catchment areas
from certain taxes
Chapter 6. Advisory committees
Chapter 7. Establishment of fire protection committees
Chapter 8. Fire protection plans
Chapter 9. Director-General may amend fire protection plans
Chapter 10. Minister may render financial aid
Chapter 11. Right of entry on or way over land
Chapter 12. Minister may perform certain acts
Chapter 13. Regulations
Chapter 15. Service of notices
Chapter 16. Jurisdiction of magistrate’s court
Chapter 17. Delegation of powers
Chapter 18. Limitation on liability of State, Minister, etc.
Chapter 19. ... ...
[S. 19 repealed by Proclamation No. R.28 of 1995 and by s. 1 of Act No. 49 of 1996.]
Chapter 20. Transitional provisions
Chapter 21. Short title
