Declaration of Competent Authority under Section 2(a) of Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act 1962 (Act 50 of 1962) for M/s GAIL (India) Limited in the state of Madhya Pradesh

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a notification to authorize a new Competent Authority for the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline project in Madhya Pradesh. Under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962, Shri Shailendra Singh is appointed to perform these functions on an additional charge basis, replacing Shri Vindra Prasad Dwivedi. This authorization is effective from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette, dated August 3, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Legal Authorization** * The notification is issued in pursuance of clause (a) of Section 2 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * The Government of India officially authorizes the designated officer to discharge the functions of the Competent Authority under the said Act. **Personnel Changes** * Shri Shailendra Singh, Additional Collector, Jabalpur District, Government of Madhya Pradesh, is authorized to take over the role. * The appointment is made on an "additional charge" basis. * Shri Shailendra Singh replaces the previous authority, Shri Vindra Prasad Dwivedi, Additional Collector (Retired). **Project and Geographic Scope** * The authorization specifically pertains to the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline. * The project is being executed by M/s GAIL (India) Limited within the State of Madhya Pradesh. **Effective Date** * The authorization becomes effective from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette of India. **Impact Analysis** **Shri Shailendra Singh (Additional Collector, Jabalpur District)** **Impact** He is now legally empowered to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Competent Authority for the specified pipeline project. **Action Required** Assume the additional charge and discharge functions related to the acquisition of right of user in land as per the 1962 Act. **M/s GAIL (India) Limited** **Impact** The project gains a designated administrative authority to handle legal and land-related matters for the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda pipeline in Madhya Pradesh. **Action Required** Coordinate with the newly authorized Competent Authority for necessary approvals and land acquisition processes. **Shri Vindra Prasad Dwivedi (Additional Collector, Retired)** **Impact** He is formally relieved of his responsibilities as the Competent Authority for this specific project. **Action Required** Hand over any pending matters or records related to the project to the successor.

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