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 IMC Limited in the State of Andhra Pradesh.

## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization of Competent Authority for Kakinada-Vijayawada-Nellore Natural Gas Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, dated February 23, 2022. The notification authorizes Sri M. Lakshmi Narasimham, Deputy Collector, Government of Andhra Pradesh, as the Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962 for the Kakinada-Vijayawada-Nellore Natural Gas Pipeline (KVNPL) Project of Ms. IMC Limited in the State of Andhra Pradesh. This authorization is critical for the project's land acquisition process and its subsequent implementation. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the aforementioned notification regarding the authorization of a Competent Authority for the KVNPL project, based solely on the information provided in the notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is implementing a provision within the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** To authorize a specific individual to act as the Competent Authority under the 1962 Act, facilitating land acquisition for the KVNPL project. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this is a new policy instrument in service of existing law, the notification addresses the need to implement the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, for a specific infrastructure project. The Act requires the designation of a Competent Authority to manage the land acquisition process. The notification ensures that there is a designated official to oversee this process for the KVNPL project in Andhra Pradesh. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This is a new authorization under an existing law, not an amendment. * The key provision is the authorization of Sri M. Lakshmi Narasimham, Deputy Collector, Government of Andhra Pradesh, as the Competent Authority. * This authorization empowers the designated individual to perform the functions outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, related to land acquisition for the KVNPL project. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Ms. IMC Limited:** The company responsible for the Kakinada-Vijayawada-Nellore Natural Gas Pipeline (KVNPL) Project. * **Sri M. Lakshmi Narasimham:** The Deputy Collector, Government of Andhra Pradesh, now designated as the Competent Authority. * **Landowners in Andhra Pradesh:** Individuals or entities whose land may be subject to acquisition for the pipeline project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. The notification also mentions the "Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press" and "Controller of Publications, Delhi" as being involved in the publishing of the gazette. * **Procedures:** The notification implies that the Competent Authority (Sri M. Lakshmi Narasimham) will now follow the procedures outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, for acquiring the necessary land for the KVNPL project. * **Timelines:** The notification states that it is effective from the date of its issue (February 23, 2022), suggesting immediate implementation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is to facilitate the smooth and legal land acquisition process for the KVNPL project in Andhra Pradesh. This authorization allows Ms. IMC Limited to proceed with the project implementation by ensuring compliance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. Without a designated Competent Authority, the project's progress would be significantly hindered. **9. Conclusion:** The notification authorizing Sri M. Lakshmi Narasimham as the Competent Authority for the KVNPL project is a critical step towards the implementation of this natural gas pipeline project. This authorization ensures compliance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, and facilitates the necessary land acquisition process. The notification is significant for Ms. IMC Limited, landowners in Andhra Pradesh, and the overall development of natural gas infrastructure in the region.

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