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

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 Regarding Land Acquisition **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically focusing on a notification published on January 7, 2021, concerning land acquisition. The amendment alters the nature of land classification in a specific case (Survey No. 33191 in Jalandhar district), changing it from "Gair Mumkin" to "Agriculture, Gair Mumkin". This report details the change, its context, and its likely impact on affected stakeholders. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of an amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, based solely on the provided notification text. It focuses on understanding the nature of the amendment, the likely reasons behind it, and its potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment to:** National Highways Act, 1956. Original notification: S.O. no. 1715(E) dated 02.06.2020. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the objective of the original policy is related to land acquisition for national highway projects, and this amendment aims to modify the specifics of such acquisition. The objective of this amendment is to change the land classification of specific land identified by Survey number. **4. Background and Rationale:** The original notification (S.O. no. 1715(E)) likely outlined the intended acquisition of specific land parcels for highway construction. This amendment suggests that an error or a change in circumstances necessitated a correction in the land classification for Survey No. 33191 in Jalandhar District. The change from "Gair Mumkin" to "Agriculture, Gair Mumkin" suggests the land may now be classified as agricultural instead of non-cultivable land. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification details a specific change in land classification, thus this is an amendment and this section is altered accordingly. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Schedule within the original notification S.O. 1715(E) dated 02.06.2020. * **New Rule/Provision:** The nature of land for Survey No. 33191 in Sahbu village, Nakodar Tehsil, Jalandhar District is amended from "Gair Mumkin" to "Agriculture, Gair Mumkin" in the relevant schedule in the notification. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** Changing the classification from 'Gair Mumkin' (uncultivable/barren) to 'Agriculture, Gair Mumkin' indicates the land is now considered, at least in part, as cultivable. This change could affect the compensation provided to the landowner, the permissions required for its acquisition, or the way it is used during/after highway construction. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * The landowners affected by the land acquisition, specifically those owning Survey No. 33191 in Sahbu village, Nakodar Tehsil, Jalandhar District. * National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) which is undertaking the construction project. * Local government bodies involved in land administration in Jalandhar district. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI, and Competent Authority, Land Acquisition. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text does not provide specific timelines for implementation. However, the amendment itself indicates that the land acquisition process is underway, following the procedures outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956. The mentioning of previous gazette notifications indicates following due process. * **Specific implementation aspects of the change**: The responsible authorities need to update land records and acquisition plans to reflect the changed land classification. This update may also involve revising compensation packages offered to the landowner. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to rectify an error in the original land classification, ensuring accurate assessment and compensation for the affected landowner. The potential impact of this change is that the land owner will receive compensation that aligns with agricultural land, and the construction may have to align with the agricultural use. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the National Highways Act, 1956, through this notification, highlights the importance of accurate land records and classifications in infrastructure projects. The correction of the land classification for Survey No. 33191 is significant for the landowner and ensures that the land acquisition process adheres to established legal and administrative procedures. This amendment is critical to making sure stakeholders are treated correctly and the project is correctly implemented.

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