In exercise of powers conferred by sub section 1 of section 3A of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for NH709B (February 10, 2021) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on February 10, 2021. This notification declares the government's intention to acquire land in the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh for the building, widening (two lane with paved shoulder, four laning etc.), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway 709B (NH709B) between Km. 67.3 and Km. 137.900 (Shamli-Saharanpur Section). The notification outlines the affected land parcels, the process for lodging objections, and contact information for the competent authority. This report details the policy's objectives, implications, and implementation aspects based solely on the text of the notification. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification (S.O. 632(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on February 10, 2021, regarding land acquisition for NH709B. This analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification and aims to inform stakeholders about the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected parties, and potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification regarding land acquisition. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to acquire land for the building, widening (two lane with paved shoulder, four laning etc.), maintenance, management, and operation of NH709B in the specified section (Km. 67.3 to Km. 137.900). This is explicitly stated as being "for the public purpose". **4. Background and Rationale:** * The notification addresses the need to improve and expand the existing road infrastructure (NH709B) to facilitate transportation and connectivity in the Shamli-Saharanpur Section. The phrase "building, widening (two lane with paved shoulder, four laning etc.), maintenance, management and operation" suggests that the current infrastructure is deemed inadequate, and the government intends to enhance it to meet growing transportation demands. The mention of "public purpose" implies that this infrastructural development is considered to be in the best interest of the community, likely contributing to economic growth and improved accessibility. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The policy declares the Central Government's intention to acquire land, based on the powers conferred by subsection 1 of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956. * It specifies the stretch of land affected: NH709B, from Km. 67.3 to Km. 137.900, within the Shamli-Saharanpur Section, located in the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh. * It provides a brief schedule describing the land to be acquired, including survey plot numbers, type of land (Private Agriculture), area in square meters and hectares, and location (Taluk: Shamli, Villages: Banat, Shamli, Tajpur Simbhalka). * It grants affected individuals the right to object to the land acquisition within 21 days of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette. * It identifies the Competent Authority as the Special Land Acquisition Officer, Saharanpur, to whom objections must be submitted in writing with grounds for the objection. * It outlines the process for handling objections, including the objector's right to be heard (in person or through a legal practitioner) and the Competent Authority's power to allow or disallow the objections after further inquiry. * The order made by the Competent Authority under subsection 2 of section 3C of the said Act shall be final. * It states that land plans and other details of the land to be acquired are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners and individuals with interests in the land parcels identified in the schedule within the Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh. Specifically, landowners in the villages of Banat, Shamli, and Tajpur Simbhalka are directly affected. * The residents and businesses in the Shamli-Saharanpur Section who will benefit from the improved road infrastructure. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as the implementing body. * The Special Land Acquisition Officer, Saharanpur, as the Competent Authority responsible for handling objections. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for initiating the land acquisition process. The Special Land Acquisition Officer, Saharanpur, is designated as the Competent Authority for handling objections and making decisions regarding the acquisition. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification establishes a 21-day period from the date of publication for individuals to lodge objections. The Competent Authority is then responsible for hearing objections, conducting inquiries, and making a final decision. The exact timeline for these processes is not explicitly stated but is implied to follow the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is the successful acquisition of land for the improvement and expansion of NH709B. This is expected to result in improved transportation infrastructure, reduced travel times, enhanced connectivity between Shamli and Saharanpur, and potentially stimulated economic development in the region. The improved road infrastructure is expected to benefit commuters, businesses, and the overall economy of the area. Potential negative impacts include displacement of landowners and disruption to agricultural activities on the acquired land, necessitating fair compensation and rehabilitation measures. **9. Conclusion:** The notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on February 10, 2021, signals the commencement of a land acquisition process for the improvement of NH709B in the Shamli-Saharanpur Section. This policy aims to enhance transportation infrastructure and connectivity, which is crucial for regional development. Affected landowners should carefully review the notification and exercise their right to object within the stipulated timeframe if they have concerns. The successful implementation of this policy is expected to yield positive outcomes for the region's transportation network and overall economic growth, but potential displacement of landowners necessitates careful management and fair compensation practices.

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