In exercise of the powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highway Act, 1956 48 of 1956, the Central Government hereby authorizes the officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule annexed here to as the competent authorities to perform the functions of such authorities under the said Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 217 Widening Project in Meghalaya **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the widening and improvement of National Highway (NH) 217 in the State of Meghalaya. The notification, dated September 20, 2022, authorizes designated officers as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highway Act of 1956 for the land acquisition process between Km. 47.075 and Km. 77.055 of NH-217. This report outlines the policy's objectives, provisions, affected stakeholders, inferred implementation aspects, and potential outcomes, based solely on the provided official notification. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification concerning land acquisition for the NH-217 widening project in Meghalaya. The analysis is based solely on the text of the official notification provided, and it will inform relevant parties about the key aspects of this policy. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy initiative related to land acquisition. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 217, specifically the stretch from Km. 47.075 to Km. 77.055 in the State of Meghalaya. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy likely addresses the need to improve transportation infrastructure along the specified section of NH-217 in Meghalaya. The project aims to widen and upgrade the highway, presumably to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time, improve safety, and boost economic activity in the region. The land acquisition is a necessary step to enable the construction and improvement activities. **5. Key Provisions:** The primary provision of this notification is the designation of competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highway Act, 1956. The notification authorizes the officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule to act as the competent authorities. The notification is in respect of the stretch of land specified in the corresponding entry in column 3 of the Schedule relating to districts, taluk/mandal, police station and villages mentioned in columns 4, 5, 6 and 7 respectively of the said Schedule. The project involves land acquisition for building, widening to four lanes, etc., maintenance, management and operation of the National Highway No. 217 Km. 47.075 to Km. 77.055 in the State of Meghalaya. The schedule details the specific villages in the West Garo Hills district (Rongram Taluk) that are affected, namely: Anogre, Dollonggre, Rongdenggre, Chiokgre, Bawegre, Rongbakgre, Samingre, Waribokgre, Aguragre, Digranggre, Jendragre, Allagre, Rongchigre, Nengkalgre, Bolbokgre, Asananggre, Warisepgre, and Chibra Agal. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners and residents** within the specified stretch of NH-217 in the West Garo Hills district. * **Local communities** in the affected villages: Anogre, Dollonggre, Rongdenggre, Chiokgre, Bawegre, Rongbakgre, Samingre, Waribokgre, Aguragre, Digranggre, Jendragre, Allagre, Rongchigre, Nengkalgre, Bolbokgre, Asananggre, Warisepgre, and Chibra Agal. * **Construction companies and contractors** involved in the highway widening project. * **The State Government of Meghalaya** and relevant district authorities (West Garo Hills district). * **The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways** as the implementing agency. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The notification also mentions "competent authorities" who will be responsible for performing functions under the National Highway Act, 1956. The Additional Deputy Commissioner Revenue of the West Garo Hills is identified as the CALA (Competent Authority for Land Acquisition). * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (September 20, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highway Act, 1956, and other relevant regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy are: * Efficient land acquisition process to facilitate the NH-217 widening project. * Improved road infrastructure and connectivity in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. * Reduced travel time and enhanced safety for commuters. * Potential economic benefits for the region due to improved transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification signifies a crucial step towards the widening and improvement of National Highway 217 in Meghalaya. It authorizes designated officers to initiate the land acquisition process, which is essential for the project's successful implementation. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the region's transportation infrastructure, connectivity, and economic development. The stakeholders affected by the land acquisition should stay informed about the process and their rights under the National Highway Act, 1956.

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