Declaration of Competent Authority under Section 2(a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act 1962 (Act No 50 of 1962) for M/s GAIL India Limited in the State of Gujarat.

**Executive Summary** This notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announces the appointment of Shri Alpesh N. Raval as the Competent Authority for GAIL (India) Limited’s natural gas pipeline projects in Gujarat. Issued under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, the appointment is on an additional charge basis and replaces Smt. Kalpnaben Bhavneshkumar Mehta. The authorization is effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, which is August 3, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** **Appointment and Authorization** * Shri Alpesh N. Raval, Additional Secretary, Vadodara, Government of Gujarat, is authorized to perform the functions of the Competent Authority. * The appointment is made in place of Smt. Kalpnaben Bhavneshkumar Mehta. * The authorization is granted on an "additional charge" basis. **Legal Framework and Scope** * 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 scope of authority covers all Natural Gas Pipeline projects of M/s GAIL (India) Limited specifically within the State of Gujarat. **Effective Date** * The order takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette of India (August 3, 2026). **Impact Analysis** **Shri Alpesh N. Raval (Additional Secretary, Vadodara)** **Impact** He is now legally empowered to execute the functions of the Competent Authority under the 1962 Act on an additional charge basis. **Action Required** Must assume the responsibilities and perform the statutory functions required for GAIL’s natural gas pipeline projects in Gujarat. **M/s GAIL (India) Limited** **Impact** The organization has a newly designated official to oversee the legal processes related to the acquisition of right of user in land for their projects in Gujarat. **Action Required** Must coordinate with the newly appointed Competent Authority for all pending and future pipeline project requirements in the state. **Smt. Kalpnaben Bhavneshkumar Mehta** **Impact** She is relieved of her duties as the Competent Authority for the specified GAIL projects. **Action Required** Transfer relevant records and responsibilities to the successor, Shri Alpesh N. Raval.

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