law: Indian Ports Act, 1908
  10. Removal of obstructions within limits of port 
  (1) The conservator may remove, or caused to be removed, any
  
  timber, raft or other thing, floating or being in any part of any such port,
  
  which in his opinion obstructs or impedes the free navigation thereof or the
  
  lawful use of any pier, jetty, landing-place wharf, quay, dock, mooring or
  
  other work on any part of the shore or bank which has been declared to be
  
  within the limits of the port and is not private property.
  (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 affecting 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 conservator or any Magistrate having jurisdiction over
  
  the offence may cause any such nuisance to be abated.