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

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition on National Highway NH-301 in Ladakh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 1111(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on March 10, 2021, regarding land acquisition on National Highway (NH) 301 in the Union Territory of Ladakh. The notification designates competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act of 1956 for building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of a specific stretch of NH-301. The key finding is the delineation of the geographical scope of land acquisition, specifying villages and districts affected, and the designation of the Deputy Commissioner's Office, Kargil, as the competent authority for certain stretches. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 1111(E) concerning land acquisition for NH-301 in Ladakh, based solely on the provided text. This analysis focuses on the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential impacts as inferred from the notification itself. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy specifying land acquisition for a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. NH-301 within the Union Territory of Ladakh. This involves acquiring land along a 0-234 km stretch. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy regarding land acquisition, the underlying problem being addressed is likely the need to improve and expand transportation infrastructure in the U.T. of Ladakh. The construction, widening, and maintenance of NH-301 would require land acquisition, and this notification likely aims to formalize the process and designate responsible authorities for that acquisition. The need for this likely arises from a desire to improve connectivity and facilitate economic development in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The key provision of this policy is the authorization of specific officers as "competent authorities" under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956. This authorization empowers these officers to perform functions related to land acquisition. Specifically, the notification designates the Deputy Commissioner, Office, Kargil as a competent authority. The notification also details the precise stretch of land along NH-301 (0 km to 234 km) that falls under this land acquisition scheme. The notification lists affected districts (Kargil) and details affected villages within specific Taluks/Mandals like Shelikchey, Minjee Kargil, Baroo, Kurbathang, Pashkum, Saliskote, Faroona, Nagmakusar, Thangdumbur Sankoo, Sangrah, Trespone, G.M.Pore, Lankerchay, Karpokhar, Akshow, Abran, Hemiling Techa, Zanskar Khasar, Sani, Padum Salapi, Ruruk, Jangchung, Chibra Abran, Kilma Abran, Yokma Abran, Kongma, Lungmur, Kushul, Manda, Phey Thang, Shamelling, Tungri, Sani sow Sani, Gonyok, Gapak Stara, Yokma Stara, Kongma Kojho, Thang Thang, Padum, Tsadkar Ramala, Skyagam, Phey, Rantaksha Salapi, Gaypak, Ufti Pipiting, youljuk, Panikhar Taisuru, Achambor, Tangole, Parkachick, Rangdum, Gailing, Purtikchey, Kargee, Taisuru, and Choskore. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners and residents along the identified 0-234 km stretch of NH-301 in Ladakh, as they are directly affected by the land acquisition process. * The Deputy Commissioner's Office, Kargil, which is designated as the competent authority for executing the land acquisition. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), or a similar road development agency, responsible for executing the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of NH-301. * The local administration in the U.T. of Ladakh. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Deputy Commissioner, Office, Kargil, is the designated responsible body for land acquisition. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall governing body. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification states that the authorization is effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (March 10, 2021). However, specific timelines and procedures for land acquisition are not detailed in this notification but would be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. * Implementation for the specific changes is that, going forward, any land aquisition within the areas defined will be handled by the Deputy Commissioner, Office, Kargil. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcome of this policy is the smooth and efficient acquisition of land required for the improvement and expansion of NH-301. This, in turn, should facilitate better transportation connectivity, potentially leading to economic development and improved accessibility in the U.T. of Ladakh. The policy aims to streamline the process by designating the competent authority and defining the geographical scope, reducing potential delays and disputes related to land acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 1111(E) is a crucial step in facilitating the development of National Highway No. NH-301 in the Union Territory of Ladakh. By designating the Deputy Commissioner, Office, Kargil, as the competent authority and clearly defining the geographical scope of land acquisition, the notification aims to streamline the process and ensure efficient implementation of the highway project. This policy is significant for landowners, residents, and businesses in the affected areas, as well as for the overall development of transportation infrastructure in Ladakh.

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