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 NH16 in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on January 29, 2021. This notification designates competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act of 1956 concerning land acquisition for the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of specific stretches of National Highway NH16 in the state of Odisha. The notification directly impacts landowners and stakeholders within the specified stretches of NH16 in the Bhadrak district of Odisha. This is a new policy within a specified geographic area. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification S.O. 457(E), dated January 29, 2021, regarding land acquisition related to National Highway NH16 in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of sections of National Highway NH16 in Odisha by designating competent authorities for land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The notification addresses the need for land acquisition to support infrastructure development and improvement of National Highway NH16. It can be inferred that the government aims to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, and improve transportation efficiency along this critical highway route in Odisha. The text strongly suggests planned infrastructure upgrades based on the descriptions of building, widening, and four-laning. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** * The notification authorizes officers mentioned in column 2 of the schedule annexed to the document as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, related to land acquisition. * It specifies the stretches of land affected by the notification: * Km. 98 to Km. 111 of the NH16 * Km. 111 to Km. 117 of the NH16 * Km. 117 to Km. 136.5 of the NH16 * The schedule identifies specific villages within the Bhadrak district of Odisha affected by the land acquisition process within the Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar, and Bhadrak Taluks/Mandals. The Tahsildars of the relevant regions are specified as the competent authorities. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners within the specified stretches of NH16 in the Bhandaripokhari, Dhamnagar, and Bhadrak Taluks/Mandals of Bhadrak district, Odisha. * Residents of the villages listed in the schedule. * The Tahsildars designated as the competent authorities. * Construction and infrastructure companies involved in the NH16 project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority), the designated Tahsildars (competent authorities), and potentially the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), though not explicitly mentioned. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 29, 2021). Specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, though these procedures are not detailed in the provided text. The designation of competent authorities enables the land acquisition process to commence. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impact of this notification are: * Expedited land acquisition process for the NH16 project. * Commencement of building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation activities on the specified stretches of NH16. * Potential displacement and resettlement of landowners and residents within the affected areas. * Improved transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 457(E) constitutes a crucial step in facilitating infrastructure development along National Highway NH16 in Odisha. By designating competent authorities for land acquisition, the notification aims to streamline the process and enable the timely completion of the planned roadwork, including building, widening, and four-laning projects. Landowners and residents within the specified areas should be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the National Highways Act, 1956. The notification highlights the government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and connectivity within the region.

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