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

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 353 Improvement in Chhattisgarh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of land in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh for the purpose of improving the geometry of National Highway No. 353. This is a new policy action to acquire land. The notification details the specific plots of land to be acquired, allowing affected parties to raise objections. The key finding is that the government intends to acquire approximately 1.0310 hectares of land, encompassing both private and government-owned plots, for road construction and improvement. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of a notification (S.O. 1283E) published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, detailing the intention to acquire land for the geometric improvement of National Highway No. 353 in Chhattisgarh. This analysis is based solely on the content of the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy action initiating the process of land acquisition. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to acquire land for "building wideningtwo lane with paved shoulderfour laning etc.,, maintenance, management and operation for construction of New road to improve geometry of National Highway No. 353" within a specific stretch (Km 50.290 to Km 53.330). This aims to improve road infrastructure and connectivity. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The policy addresses the need for improved road infrastructure on National Highway No. 353. The existing road geometry (likely consisting of curves, bends, or narrow sections) is deemed inadequate, necessitating land acquisition to facilitate construction activities like widening, laning and straightening of the specified road segment. This improvement likely seeks to enhance traffic flow, reduce accidents, and improve overall transportation efficiency. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** The notification declares the government's intention to acquire specific plots of land as detailed in the schedule within the document. The acquired land will be used for the improvement of National Highway 353. The policy outlines the following key provisions: * **Land Identification:** Specifies the survey number, type of land (private/government), nature of land (irrigated/non-irrigated/tank bank/forest), and area to be acquired for each plot. * **Objection Mechanism:** Grants individuals interested in the listed lands a 21-day window to file objections against the acquisition with the Competent Authority. * **Competent Authority Designation:** Identifies the "sub divisional officer revenue and Land Acquisition Officer, Mahasamund, Dist.Mahasamund C.G." as the Competent Authority responsible for hearing and ruling on objections. * **Objection Procedure:** Requires objections to be submitted in writing, stating the grounds for objection. The Competent Authority is obligated to provide objectors an opportunity to be heard, either personally or through a legal representative, before making a final decision. * **Finality of Decision:** States that the Competent Authority's decision on the objections is final. * **Land Plan Accessibility:** Indicates that land plans and further details are available for inspection at the Competent Authority's office. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land identified in the schedule for acquisition, including both private and government owners. * **Residents of Mahasamund District, Chhattisgarh:** Particularly those residing near the identified stretch of National Highway No. 353, who may be affected by the road construction and any associated disruptions. * **Competent Authority (Sub Divisional Officer, Revenue and Land Acquisition Officer, Mahasamund):** Responsible for implementing the policy and addressing objections. * **Legal Practitioners:** Who may represent landowners in objection proceedings. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The Sub Divisional Officer Revenue and Land Acquisition Officer, Mahasamund, C.G., is responsible for the local implementation. * **Timelines or procedures:** Landowners have 21 days from the publication date (March 23, 2021) to file objections. The Competent Authority is responsible for hearing objections and making a final decision. The text outlines the procedure for filing and addressing objections. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The expected outcomes include: * Acquisition of the identified land for road construction and improvement. * Enhanced road geometry on National Highway No. 353 within the designated stretch (Km 50.290 to Km 53.330). * Improved transportation infrastructure, potentially leading to reduced travel times, increased safety, and better connectivity. * Potential displacement or disruption for landowners and residents directly affected by the land acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a significant step in the improvement of National Highway No. 353 in Chhattisgarh. It initiates the land acquisition process and provides a mechanism for affected parties to raise objections. Successful implementation is expected to result in enhanced road infrastructure and improved transportation efficiency, while also potentially impacting landowners and residents in the affected area. Further analysis would require access to additional documents and information related to the project's overall planning and environmental impact assessments.

Key Entities Referenced