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

## Report on Notification Regarding National Highway No. 165 in Andhra Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for National Highway No. 165 in West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. The notification authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway stretch. The key finding is the formal delegation of authority for land acquisition necessary for the highway project's progression. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of a notification published in the Gazette of India concerning National Highway No. 165 in Andhra Pradesh. This analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy* implementation, specifically relating to land acquisition. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the efficient acquisition of land for the development and maintenance of National Highway No. 165. This includes building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder/four lane), maintenance, management and operation. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy implementation for this specific project segment, the policy addresses the necessity of acquiring land for the development and maintenance of National Highway No. 165. The notification suggests that the government is moving towards improvements to the highway. Without acquiring land, the improvements can't happen. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** *This is a new policy implementation, so all listed items are changes.* The notification establishes the following key provisions: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** It authorizes officers (mentioned in column 2 of the schedule) to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, relating to land acquisition. * **Geographic Scope:** The notification applies to a specific stretch of National Highway No. 165, from km 61.740 to km 107.660, located in the West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. * **Purpose of Land Acquisition:** The land is to be acquired for building, widening (two lane with paved shoulder/four lane), maintenance, management, and operation of the National Highway. * **Schedule Detailing Land Acquisition:** The attached schedule provides details, which includes the state, district, taluk/mandal, and villages (listed in columns 4-7) where land acquisition is required, as well as which officer is authorized (column 2) for that specific stretch (column 3). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of National Highway No. 165 in West Godavari District. * **Residents:** Individuals residing in the villages (Madiwada, Ajjamuru, Akiveedu, Dumpagadapa, A.I.Bhimavaram, Cherukawada, Kalisipudi, Undi, Vandram Narasimharajapura, Agraharam, Vissakoderu, Palakoderu, Goraganamudi, Pennada Agraharam, Srungavruksham, Veeravasaram, Narasimhapuram, Kovvada, Bhimavaram, Gunupudi, Peda Amiram, Chittavaram, Lankalakoderu, Dagguluru, Ballipadu, Sivadevunichikkala, Gorintada, Chandaparru, Digamarru, Pulapalli, Palakollu Rural) potentially affected by land acquisition. * **Local Authorities:** Taluk/Mandal and District administrations in West Godavari. * **Construction and Engineering Firms:** Companies involved in the building, widening, maintenance, and operation of National Highway No. 165. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible body. The notification also specifies "competent authorities" designated for land acquisition. These are the CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition) officers mentioned in column 2 of the schedule. * **Procedures:** The notification indicates that the land acquisition process will be carried out under the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes of this notification are: * **Facilitation of Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the land acquisition process through the designation of competent authorities. * **Expedited Highway Development:** Accelerating the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 165. * **Improved Infrastructure:** Enhanced road infrastructure in the West Godavari District, contributing to better connectivity and economic development. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report is a crucial step in facilitating the development and maintenance of National Highway No. 165 in Andhra Pradesh. By authorizing competent authorities for land acquisition, the government aims to expedite the project and improve transportation infrastructure in the region. This policy has significant implications for landowners, residents, and businesses operating in the affected areas.

Key Entities Referenced