River Law in Japan

An English translation of the River Law (amended) in Japan as of July Ô97. The River Law is the legal foundation of river management in Japan, including flood control and resources development. It was first enacted in 1896, one of the earliest, most comprehensive, and modern river codes in the world. In 1964, the old River Law was replaced by this new one to accommodate changes in the social and economic environment. It covers all aspects of river admin.: flood control and damage mitigation; water resources utilization and development; land and river water admin., including river zone and water use permission systems; and fluvial environ. conservation.