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

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH37 in Manipur **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on March 10, 2021. The notification pertains to the authorization of competent authorities for land acquisition related to the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. NH37 in the state of Manipur. The key finding is the identification of the specific stretches of land being acquired and the designated authorities responsible for the acquisition process within those areas. This is a new policy regarding land acquisition in the specified area. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a notification regarding land acquisition for National Highway No. NH37 in Manipur, based solely on the content of the provided government policy text. The report will analyze the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential impact, as inferred from the text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of the notification is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the improvement (building, widening, four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of specified stretches of National Highway No. NH37 in Manipur. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The notification suggests a need for land acquisition to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. NH37. This implies existing infrastructure limitations or a strategic decision to improve connectivity and transportation efficiency within the region. The policy addresses the necessity for streamlined land acquisition by designating competent authorities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The central government authorizes officers listed in Column 2 of the Schedule as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Geographic Scope:** The authorization applies to specific stretches of land on NH37: * From 16.8 KM to 33 KM near Deputy Commissioner Office, Kangpokpi. * From 15.94 KM to 16.8 KM near DC Office Complex, Lamphelpat, Imphal West. * **Purpose of Acquisition:** The land is to be acquired for the purposes of building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the specified sections of NH37. * **Schedule of Affected Areas:** The notification includes a schedule detailing the villages and districts potentially impacted by the land acquisition process in Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts. The schedule lists the CALA, stretch, state, district, Taluk/Mandal, and the name of the village. The village names are Namthanjang, Lonjang, Bijang, Longa Koireng, S Laijang, Kotlen, Kharam Pallen, TinTong Laijang, New Keithelmanbi, Mission Compound, T. Mangjol, Haibung, Senam Khaithong, Khonglong Kabui, Thanglong, Pholjang, L.Hengjol, and Moidangpok. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders include: * Landowners and residents within the specified stretches of NH37 in Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts of Manipur. * The Deputy Commissioners of Kangpokpi and Imphal West, who are designated as competent authorities. * Contractors and companies involved in the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of NH37. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. The Deputy Commissioners of Kangpokpi and Imphal West are the designated competent authorities responsible for overseeing the land acquisition process within their respective jurisdictions. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (March 10, 2021). The notification grants power to the designated officers, but does not explicitly specify the procedures or timelines for land acquisition. These procedures are likely governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, and other relevant regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** * **Facilitation of Infrastructure Development:** The primary intended outcome is to facilitate the smooth and efficient acquisition of land required for the development and improvement of National Highway No. NH37. * **Improved Connectivity:** The land acquisition is expected to contribute to the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of NH37, ultimately improving connectivity and transportation within the region. * **Economic Development:** Improved infrastructure is expected to stimulate economic development in the affected areas. **9. Conclusion:** The notification by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways authorizes competent authorities for land acquisition along specific stretches of National Highway No. NH37 in Manipur. This action is a crucial step toward facilitating infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity, and promoting economic growth in the region. The notification's significance lies in its direct impact on landowners and residents in the affected areas and its contribution to the larger goal of improving the national highway network.

Key Entities Referenced