In exercise of powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway 26 Upgrade in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the upgrade of National Highway (NH) 26 in the state of Odisha. The notification, dated March 10, 2021, authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the highway's upgrade to a 24-laning configuration with paved shoulders. This report outlines the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and expected outcomes based solely on the provided text. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the notification S.O. 1118(E), published on March 10, 2021, regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway 26 in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the information provided in the attached document. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a *new* policy notification concerning a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as derived from the text, is to facilitate the upgrade of a portion of National Highway 26 in Odisha to a 24-laning configuration with paved shoulders by authorizing specific officers to perform functions related to land acquisition as per the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification addresses the need for land acquisition to facilitate infrastructure development, specifically the upgrade of NH-26. The text suggests a pre-existing need to improve the highway's capacity, likely due to increasing traffic volume, safety concerns, or economic development goals in the region. **5. Key Provisions:** The notification establishes the following key provisions: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The Central Government authorizes officers listed in column 2 of the Schedule to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Scope of Authority:** The authority extends to land acquisition for the upgrade of NH-26 from Km. 00 to 720 in Odisha. * **Specific Location:** The Schedule specifies the state (ODISHA), districts (Subarnapur and Balangir), Taluk/Mandal (Rampur, Agalpur, Bolangir, Salebhata and Jharabandhali) and Villages (Dunguripalli) where land acquisition is authorized. * **Affected Stretches:** The notification covers specific stretches of land, including between 34.4KM and 35.5KM, and between 44.7KM and 48.8KM of NH26. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretches of NH-26 in Odisha. * **Residents:** Communities residing in the villages and districts mentioned in the schedule. * **Local Administration:** District and Taluk/Mandal level administrative bodies in Subarnapur and Balangir districts of Odisha. * **Construction Companies:** Likely those bidding for or contracted to execute the highway upgrade project. * **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** As the issuing authority, responsible for overseeing the project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing and overseeing body. The Additional Tahasildar and Land Acquisition Officer, Collectorate are identified as the competent authorities for land acquisition. * **Timelines and Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (March 10, 2021, according to the text). The procedures for land acquisition will likely follow established guidelines under the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Expedited Land Acquisition:** Authorizing competent authorities should streamline the land acquisition process, reducing delays in the highway upgrade project. * **Improved Infrastructure:** Upgrading NH-26 to a 24-laning configuration with paved shoulders will increase its capacity, potentially reducing congestion and improving travel times. * **Economic Development:** Improved transportation infrastructure can contribute to economic development in the region by facilitating the movement of goods and people. * **Potential Displacement and Compensation:** Land acquisition may lead to displacement of landowners and residents, necessitating fair compensation and resettlement measures. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 1118(E) is a crucial step towards facilitating the upgrade of National Highway 26 in Odisha. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition, the notification aims to expedite the project and contribute to improved transportation infrastructure and economic development in the region. However, successful implementation requires careful attention to the needs and rights of affected landowners and communities.

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