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

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding National Highway Land Acquisition in Karnataka **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on January 28, 2021. The notification pertains to land acquisition for building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highways 63, 4 and 218 in the state of Karnataka. The core purpose of the notification is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. The key finding is the delegation of authority for specific stretches of land on these National Highways, affecting landowners and residents within the specified areas. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification published on January 28, 2021, concerning land acquisition for National Highways in Karnataka. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This document appears to be a **new policy** notification rather than an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective is to facilitate land acquisition for the construction, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highways 63, 4, and 218 within Karnataka. This is achieved by designating competent authorities to oversee the land acquisition process as stipulated in the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this appears to be a new policy notification, the likely underlying issue it addresses is the need for efficient and legally compliant land acquisition to improve and maintain National Highway infrastructure in Karnataka. This likely stems from ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand the national highway network, requiring the acquisition of land for these projects. This notification streamlines the process by assigning specific officers to manage land acquisition within defined stretches of the specified highways. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As a new policy, the key provisions outlined in the notification are: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The notification authorizes specific officers (Special Land Acquisition Officer and Competent Authority) to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Scope of Authority:** The authority extends to land acquisition for building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highways 63, 4, and 218. * **Specific Stretches of Land:** The authority is defined for specific stretches of land on the following National Highways: * Km. 135.650 to Km. 136.450 on NH 63 * Km. 249.000 to Km. 250.050 on NH4 * Km. 192.800 to Km. 193.350 on NH218 * **Geographic Location:** The land acquisition pertains to land in the State of KARNATAKA, specifically within the districts, taluks/mandals, and villages mentioned in the schedule. For the listed stretch on NH63, this includes Dharwad District, Hubballi Taluk and Hubballi Village. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected target audience and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretches of National Highways 63, 4, and 218 in Karnataka. * **Residents:** Individuals residing within the specified stretches who may be affected by the land acquisition. * **Implementing Agencies:** The Special Land Acquisition Officer and Competent Authority are directly responsible for executing the land acquisition process. * **Infrastructure Development Companies:** Companies involved in the construction, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the specified National Highways. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Special Land Acquisition Officer and Competent Authority are the primary responsible bodies. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 28, 2021). The notification references the National Highways Act, 1956, implying that land acquisition will follow the procedures outlined in that Act. The schedule mentions the CALA (Competent Authority Land Acquisition) and provides specific coordinates for areas to be acquired. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification include: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the land acquisition process by designating competent authorities. * **Expedited Infrastructure Development:** Facilitating the timely completion of projects related to the construction, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highways 63, 4, and 218. * **Improved Connectivity:** Contributing to improved transportation connectivity and economic development in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification, published on January 28, 2021, is a significant step towards facilitating infrastructure development in Karnataka. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition along designated stretches of National Highways 63, 4, and 218, the notification aims to streamline the land acquisition process and expedite the completion of critical highway projects. This will likely impact landowners and residents within the affected areas and contribute to improved transportation infrastructure in the region.

Key Entities Referenced