Declaration of Competent Authority under Section 2 (a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (Act No. 50 of 1962) for M/s GAIL (India) Limited in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment Regarding Competent Authority for KKBMPL Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, amending a previous notification (S.O. 2672E dated 04.07.2024) related to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. The amendment designates Shri Shajahan S., Deputy Collector, Government of Kerala, as the Competent Authority for the KochiKoottanadBengaluruMangalore Pipeline (KKBMPL) Project of Ms GAIL India Limited in the State of Kerala. This assignment is on deputation basis for a period of one year, effective from 29.05.2025. This amendment ensures proper execution and adherence to the Act for the specified pipeline project within Kerala. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed analysis of the notification published by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding an amendment to a prior notification concerning the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification is an amendment to Government of India Notification No. S.O. 2672E dated 04.07.2024, published in the Extraordinary Gazette of India dated 09.07.2024. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this amendment is to designate a specific individual as the Competent Authority for the KKBMPL project within Kerala, ensuring the proper implementation of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, for this specific project. **4. Background and Rationale:** The original policy likely outlines the framework for acquiring land rights for petroleum and mineral pipelines. This specific amendment seems designed to address the need for a dedicated competent authority to oversee the KKBMPL project in Kerala, ensuring efficient and lawful execution of the land acquisition process as stipulated by the Act of 1962. The need for an amendment suggests that the previous notification either lacked a specifically designated authority for this particular project in Kerala or required a change in personnel fulfilling that role. The deputation basis suggests this is a temporary assignment. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** This amendment modifies the part of the original policy that deals with the assignment of Competent Authorities under Section 2(a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. It specifically addresses the assignment of this role for the KKBMPL project in Kerala. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new provision designates Shri Shajahan S., Deputy Collector, Government of Kerala, as the Competent Authority for the KKBMPL project in Kerala. The term is for one year, effective 29.05.2025, and on deputation basis. * **Difference/Effect:** The amendment effectively transfers or clarifies the responsibility for overseeing the KKBMPL project land acquisition to Shri Shajahan S. This provides a clear point of contact and accountability for stakeholders within Kerala related to this project. This ensures a designated authority is available to perform functions related to land acquisition under the relevant Act. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The directly affected stakeholders include: * **GAIL India Limited:** As the company undertaking the KKBMPL project. * **Shri Shajahan S.:** The newly appointed Competent Authority. * **Government of Kerala:** Specifically, the Deputy Collector's office and relevant departments involved in land acquisition. * **Landowners and communities in Kerala:** Affected by the KKBMPL pipeline project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing authority. The Government of Kerala and specifically the Deputy Collector’s office are responsible for supporting the Competent Authority. GAIL India Limited will also work directly with the Competent Authority. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The amendment is effective from 29.05.2025, and the appointment is for one year. The notification does not provide specific procedures, but the Competent Authority is expected to act in accordance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. * **Specific to the Changes:** The implementation of this change requires communication of the new appointment to all relevant stakeholders. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to ensure the smooth and efficient progress of the KKBMPL project in Kerala by designating a specific and authorized individual to oversee the land acquisition process. The presence of a Competent Authority should facilitate compliance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, and minimize delays or disputes related to land acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a focused amendment to existing policy, specifically designating a Competent Authority for the KKBMPL project in Kerala. This amendment clarifies responsibility and aims to ensure the lawful and efficient execution of the land acquisition process for this critical infrastructure project. The impact of this change is primarily on the stakeholders involved in the KKBMPL project within Kerala, providing a clear point of contact and accountability.

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