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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for NH39 Upgrade in Assam **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on January 15, 2021. The notification pertains to the authorization of competent authorities for land acquisition related to the upgradation of a segment of National Highway 39 (NH39) in Assam. The core purpose is to facilitate the upgrade of a portion of NH39 to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders, specifically between kilometer markers 30.12 and 30.42. The key finding is the delegation of authority to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition, Golaghat, Assam, to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956 for this specific project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a government notification concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of a segment of NH39 in the state of Assam. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a **new policy** specific to authorizing officers for land acquisition for a particular project, rather than an amendment to an existing land acquisition policy. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition required for the upgrade of a section of NH39 to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. This authorization is explicitly tied to the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** * As a new policy, the notification addresses the need to expedite the process of land acquisition for infrastructure development projects. The upgrade of NH39 likely aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety. This specific notification seems to be a necessary step to begin the land acquisition phase of the broader upgrade project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * As a new policy, the key provision is the **authorization of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition, Golaghat, as the competent authority** under the National Highways Act, 1956, to oversee land acquisition for the designated stretch of NH39 (Km. 30.12 to 30.42). The notification applies to land within the Golaghat district, specifically in the Morongi Taluk/Mandal, and including the village of 1 No. 2 Rangajan Grant. This authorization enables the officer to perform functions related to land acquisition as defined by the Act. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** Landowners within the defined stretch of NH39 (Km. 30.12 to 30.42) in the Golaghat district, Morongi Taluk/Mandal, Assam, particularly in the village of 1 No. 2 Rangajan Grant, are directly affected as their land may be subject to acquisition for the highway upgrade. * **Other Stakeholders:** The construction companies involved in the highway upgrade project, commuters who will benefit from the improved road infrastructure, and the local economy of Golaghat are also stakeholders. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition, Golaghat, is the primary responsible agency for implementing the land acquisition process. * **Procedures:** The notification implicitly refers to the procedures outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956, which govern the land acquisition process, including valuation, compensation, and dispute resolution. * **Timelines:** No specific timelines are mentioned in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is to facilitate the smooth and efficient acquisition of land necessary for the upgradation of NH39. This, in turn, is expected to lead to: * Expedited highway upgrade project. * Improved connectivity and reduced travel time for commuters. * Potential economic benefits for the region due to improved infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed is a crucial administrative step towards the upgrade of NH39 in Assam. By authorizing the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Land Acquisition, Golaghat, as the competent authority, the government aims to streamline the land acquisition process and pave the way for the timely completion of the highway upgrade project. The impact of this notification will primarily be felt by landowners within the designated stretch and contribute to the overall improvement of transportation infrastructure in the region. The upgrade of NH39 is a significant project that would provide better transport facilities.

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