Declaration of Competent Authority under Section 2 (a) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act, 1962 for M/s Indian Oil Corporation Limited in the State of Haryana.

## Report on Notification Regarding Competent Authority for Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, pertaining to the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) in the State of Haryana. The notification, effectively an amendment, designates Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan, Operations Manager, IOCL, as the Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, replacing Shri Ashish Kumar, Assistant Manager Operations Maintenance, IOCL. This change aims to ensure the smooth execution and management of the project by appointing a different individual as the responsible authority. The key finding is the transition of authority from one IOCL official to another, likely reflecting internal restructuring or operational adjustments within IOCL. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification published in the Gazette of India, specifically focusing on the change in the Competent Authority for the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project in Haryana. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification acts as an amendment related to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. * **Core Objective (inferred):** To ensure the effective and uninterrupted implementation and management of the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project by designating a qualified individual as the Competent Authority. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment (inferred):** The change in Competent Authority suggests a need for a different individual to oversee the project's execution. This could be due to a change in personnel, restructuring within IOCL, or a reassessment of the required experience and authority for the role. The specific reason is not detailed in the notification. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This notification serves as an amendment to the existing framework under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. * **Specific Part Changed:** The notification changes *who* is designated as the Competent Authority for the specified pipeline project under the Act. * **New Rule/Provision:** Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan, Operations Manager, IOCL, is now authorized to perform the functions of the Competent Authority. This replaces the previous designation of Shri Ashish Kumar, Assistant Manager Operations Maintenance, IOCL. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The effect of this change is a shift in responsibility for the project under the Act from Shri Ashish Kumar to Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan. This likely impacts the daily oversight, decision-making, and legal accountability related to the project's compliance with the Act in Haryana. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):** Specifically, the operations team involved with the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project. * **Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan:** The newly appointed Competent Authority. * **Shri Ashish Kumar:** The individual whose authority has been replaced. * **Government of Haryana:** As the project is located within the state, the change in Competent Authority likely necessitates communication and coordination with relevant state government departments. * **Landowners and Communities along the pipeline route in Haryana:** As the Competent Authority deals with the acquisition of right of user in land, they are indirectly affected. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India (issuing the notification). Indian Oil Corporation Limited (employer of the designated authority) * **Timeline:** The notification is effective from the date of its issue (June 17, 2025). * The implementation aspect is primarily the formal transfer of responsibilities and legal authority from Shri Ashish Kumar to Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan within IOCL. This likely involves internal documentation, handover procedures, and communication to relevant external stakeholders (Haryana government, etc.). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome of this change is to ensure the smooth and efficient management of the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project. * The impact of the amendment is a shift in leadership and accountability for the project within IOCL. This could potentially lead to changes in operational strategies, project management approaches, and stakeholder engagement, depending on the experience and expertise of the newly appointed Competent Authority. It is expected that the project will continue without interruption due to the prompt appointment of a replacement. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies a change in the Competent Authority for the Dadri Panipat Natural Gas Pipeline project, with Shri Abhay Singh Chauhan replacing Shri Ashish Kumar. This amendment, issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is aimed at maintaining effective oversight and implementation of the project under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. The smooth transition of authority is crucial for the continued progress and success of the pipeline project.

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