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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for 6-Laning of Karnal Ring Road, Haryana **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the 6-laning of the Karnal Ring Road in Haryana. The notification authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, to facilitate the construction, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the Karnal Ring Road project. The key finding is the explicit authorization granted to designated officials to expedite land acquisition for this critical infrastructure project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification regarding land acquisition for the 6-laning of the Karnal Ring Road in the State of Haryana. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification pertaining to land acquisition for a specific infrastructure project. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the primary objective is to authorize competent authorities for land acquisition related to the 6-laning of the Karnal Ring Road, stretching from Km 0.00 to Km 34.5, in the State of Haryana. This authorization aims to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the road. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy notification concerning land acquisition, the likely problem it addresses is the need to legally empower specific authorities to acquire land necessary for the Karnal Ring Road expansion project. This facilitates faster execution of the infrastructure project by providing clear legal authority for land acquisition processes. The area listed requires road expansion due to current need. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a new policy authorization, the key provisions are the establishment and authorization of competent authorities for land acquisition. Specifically: * The Central Government, under the powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956, authorizes officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule to act as competent authorities. * These authorities are empowered to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, from the date of publication of the notification. * The authorization applies to the stretch of land for the 6-laning of the Karnal Ring Road from Km. 0.00 to Km. 34.5 in Haryana. * The Schedule lists specific villages within Karnal district (Nilokheri, Karnal, and Gharaunda Taluks/Mandals) where land acquisition will occur (Bhaini Kalan, Dadupur, Shamgarh, Jhanjhari, Kunjpura, Darar, Kurali, Salaru, Tikri, Taprana, Danialpur, Newal, Nalvi Khurd, Subhri, Sarfabad, Rasulpur Kalan, Pipalwali, Ganjo Garhi, Margain, SheiKhpura, Ranwar, Rasulpur Khurd, Sohana, Chhapara Khera, Kalwaheri, Tharota, Barota, Birchpur, Abdullapur, Bijana, Samalakha, Jhinwar Heri, Bastara, Kharkali, Kutail, Uncha Siwana, Mubarkabad, Pipalwali, Daha) . **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** Landowners and residents along the specified stretch of the Karnal Ring Road (Km. 0.00 to Km. 34.5) in the identified villages of Haryana. * **Other Stakeholders:** The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), construction companies involved in the road expansion project, commuters using the Karnal Ring Road, and local businesses in the Karnal region. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification) and the designated "competent authorities" listed in the Schedule. * **Procedures:** The notification triggers the land acquisition process under the National Highways Act, 1956. The competent authorities will likely follow the procedures outlined in the Act for land valuation, compensation, and acquisition. * **Timeline:** The authorization is effective from the date of publication of the notification (June 11, 2021), suggesting immediate implementation of land acquisition procedures. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is to facilitate the smooth and timely acquisition of land required for the 6-laning of the Karnal Ring Road. This should lead to: * Expedited road construction and expansion. * Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion on the Karnal Ring Road. * Enhanced connectivity and economic development in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed represents a crucial step in the implementation of the Karnal Ring Road expansion project. By authorizing specific officials as competent authorities for land acquisition, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to overcome potential hurdles in land procurement and ensure the timely completion of this important infrastructure development. This authorization is significant for the affected landowners, the NHAI, and the broader Karnal region, as it paves the way for improved transportation infrastructure and economic growth.

Key Entities Referenced