In exercise of powers conferred by sub section 1 of Section 20A of the Railways

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Land for Damodar-Mohishila Railway Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Railways, South Eastern Railway, regarding the acquisition of land for the Damodar-Mohishila 8.2km doubling Special Railway Project in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal. The notification, published on February 10, 2021, declares the government's intention to acquire land for this public purpose and outlines the process for affected individuals to raise objections. This is an amendment notice revising earlier notifications S.O.3325E and S.O.3428E. This report provides an overview of the policy, its rationale, key provisions related to land acquisition, affected stakeholders, and potential impacts. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Railways notification concerning land acquisition for the Damodar-Mohishila railway project, based solely on the information provided in the gazette notification. This report aims to clarify the policy's key elements and implications for potentially affected parties. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification revises prior gazette notifications S.O.3325E, dated 25.09.2020 and S.O.3428E, dated 30.09.2020. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire land for the execution, maintenance, management, and operation of the Special Railway Project - Damodar-Mohishila 8.2km doubling in the district of Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment:** The notification explicitly states that it is a revision, and therefore must be because of an issue within the previous notifications S.O.3325E and S.O.3428E. We can infer that the provided notification is intended to address some issues or correct some errors in the previous notifications related to the land acquisition process for the project. The notification provided does not state why the previous notifications are being revised. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Focus:** The critical change lies in providing a renewed opportunity for objections to the land acquisition and specifying the competent authority to whom these objections must be submitted. It also provides updated information for the land to be acquired. * **Original Policy Part Changed (Inferred):** Although not explicitly stated, the notification implicitly alters the timelines and possibly the details of the land identified for acquisition compared to the previous notifications. * **New Rule/Provision:** * The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the Damodar-Mohishila 8.2km doubling project. * Individuals interested in the land have 30 days from the publication date (February 10, 2021) to object to the acquisition. * Objections must be submitted in writing to the Dy. Chief Engineer Construction/Adra/South Eastern Railway at Kashipur Road, near Police station, Adra, Dist.Purulia West Bengal, PIN723121, and must state the grounds for objection. * The competent authority will provide an opportunity for the objector to be heard (in person or by legal practitioner) before allowing or disallowing the objections. * The decision of the competent authority is final. * Land plans and other details can be inspected at the competent authority's office. * The Schedule outlines the specific land to be acquired in the Hirapur village of Asansol Tehsil, Paschim Bardhaman district. Specifically, Survey Number 1648, Revenue Plot Number 4332P, L.R Plot Number 4809, with an approximate area of 0.610 acres. * **Effect of the Change:** This amendment ensures that due process is followed in the land acquisition, providing affected parties with a renewed opportunity to voice their concerns. The revision provides updated information which may impact stakeholders. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * Individuals or entities with an interest in the land identified for acquisition in the Hirapur village of Asansol Tehsil, Paschim Bardhaman district. Specifically, those owning or having rights related to Survey Number 1648, Revenue Plot Number 4332P, L.R Plot Number 4809. * Residents of Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal, potentially affected by the railway project. * Legal practitioners representing those objecting to the acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Railways, South Eastern Railway is the responsible agency. The Dy. Chief Engineer Construction/Adra/South Eastern Railway acts as the "competent authority" for handling objections. * **Timelines:** A 30-day window is provided from the date of publication (February 10, 2021) for submitting objections. * **Procedures (Specific to Changes):** The affected parties must submit objections in writing with grounds to the competent authority, who will then provide a hearing before making a final decision. * The notification implies the need for updated land records and communication with stakeholders regarding the modified land acquisition plan. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome of this notification is to facilitate the smooth and legally sound acquisition of land required for the Damodar-Mohishila railway project. By providing an opportunity for objections, the amendment aims to ensure fairness and transparency in the land acquisition process. The potential impact includes the project's progression upon resolution of objections, and potential delays if objections are significant. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Railways notification regarding land acquisition for the Damodar-Mohishila railway project is a crucial step in facilitating this infrastructure project. The notification specifies the process for raising objections, clarifying the rights of those potentially affected. This notification serves to remedy issues in previous notifications of the same matter. Understanding the provisions outlined in this notification is essential for all stakeholders involved.

Key Entities Referenced