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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Ambala Ring Road (Haryana & Punjab) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the construction of the Ambala Ring Road in the states of Haryana and Punjab. The notification designates competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, to oversee land acquisition for the project spanning from Km. 0.00 to Km. 40.00. Key findings include the delineation of specific villages and districts affected by the land acquisition process and the assignment of relevant revenue officers as competent authorities. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the notification S.O. 2267(E) published on June 11, 2021, concerning land acquisition for the Ambala Ring Road project. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective of this notification is to facilitate the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the Ambala Ring Road by authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** This is a new policy notification specifying competent authorities for land acquisition related to a specific project. It is likely intended to address the need for efficient and lawful acquisition of land required for the construction and maintenance of the Ambala Ring Road, thereby improving connectivity and infrastructure in the region. Without the designation of competent authorities, land acquisition, a critical step in road construction, would be significantly delayed. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core provision of the notification is the authorization of officers specified in Column 2 of the Schedule to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, for the purpose of land acquisition. * **Geographic Scope:** The notification specifies the stretch of land affected: Km. 0.00 to Km. 40.00 of the Ambala Ring Road in the states of Haryana and Punjab. * **Project Purpose:** Land is to be acquired for the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the Ambala Ring Road. * **Schedule of Affected Areas:** The Schedule provides a detailed list of villages, districts, and Taluk/Mandal in Haryana and Punjab where land acquisition will take place. This includes specific kilometer markers indicating the extent of the acquisition zones. * **Designated Officers:** The Schedule associates specific revenue officers (District Revenue Officer, Ambala; District Revenue Officer, S.A.S. Nagar) with particular stretches of the Ambala Ring Road within their respective jurisdictions. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Landowners in the specified villages and districts of Haryana and Punjab. * Residents of the affected areas. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * The designated competent authorities (Revenue Officers). * Construction companies and contractors involved in the Ambala Ring Road project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. The designated Revenue Officers in Ambala and S.A.S Nagar serve as the competent authorities. * **Procedures:** The notification triggers the land acquisition process under the National Highways Act, 1956. This will involve surveys, valuations, notifications, hearings, and compensation to landowners as per the Act. The competent authorities are responsible for executing these procedures. * **Timelines:** No specific timelines are mentioned in the provided text. However, the notification’s immediate effect upon publication in the Official Gazette suggests an intent to expedite the land acquisition process. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The expected outcomes of this notification include: * Facilitation of land acquisition for the Ambala Ring Road project. * Expedited construction and completion of the Ambala Ring Road. * Improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the Haryana and Punjab region. * Potential economic benefits for the region due to improved transportation. * Payment of compensation to affected landowners as per the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 2267(E) is a crucial step in the implementation of the Ambala Ring Road project. By designating competent authorities, the notification sets the stage for efficient and lawful land acquisition, paving the way for improved infrastructure and connectivity in the region. Affected parties should familiarize themselves with the National Highways Act, 1956, and related regulations regarding land acquisition and compensation.

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