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

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway 144A **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of land for the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 144A. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire land in specific districts of Jammu and Kashmir for this purpose. It also outlines procedures for affected individuals to object to the acquisition and provides information on where detailed land plans can be inspected. The key finding is the government's commitment to upgrading the infrastructure of National Highway 144A, potentially impacting landowners and local communities. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a recent government notification regarding land acquisition for National Highway No. 144A, based solely on the text provided. This report will outline the policy's objective, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential implications for those involved. **3. Policy Overview:** This appears to be a new policy declaration rather than an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the notification, is to acquire land for the building, widening (2-Laning with paved shoulder), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 144A in the stretch of land from Km 116980 to 146700 Km Akhnoor to Poonch Road. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Problem/Issue Addressed:** The notification suggests a need to improve the infrastructure of National Highway No. 144A. The text explicitly mentions "building, widening (2-Laning with paved shoulder), maintenance, management and operation" implying existing limitations or deficiencies in the current state of the highway that necessitate these actions. This upgrade likely aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance safety. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The notification declares the Central Government's intention to acquire land for the specified purposes related to National Highway 144A. * It grants individuals interested in the land a 21-day period from the date of publication of the notification to object to the land acquisition. * It stipulates that objections must be made in writing to the Competent Authority (Deputy Commissioner Land Acquisition Rajouri H Q., Rajouri District Rajouri) and must state the grounds for the objection. * It mandates that the Competent Authority provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. * It empowers the Competent Authority to either allow or disallow the objections after conducting necessary inquiries. * It deems the decision of the Competent Authority as final. * It makes the land plans and other details of the land covered under the notification available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. * It also includes a Schedule describing the land to be acquired, including survey numbers, type of land, nature of land, and area. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * Landowners within the stretch of land from Km 116980 to 146700 of National Highway 144A (Akhnoor to Poonch Road) in the District Jammu, Reasi, Rajouri Poonch in the State of Jammu Kashmir. * Residents and businesses that rely on or are located near the affected stretch of National Highway 144A. * The Competent Authority (Deputy Commissioner Land Acquisition Rajouri H Q., Rajouri District Rajouri). **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Competent Authority (Deputy Commissioner Land Acquisition Rajouri H Q., Rajouri District Rajouri) are responsible for implementing the policy. * **Timelines/procedures:** * A 21-day objection period is provided from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette. * Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority. * The Competent Authority is required to provide a hearing to objectors. * The Competent Authority must then decide whether to allow or disallow the objections. * Land plans are available for inspection. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is the successful acquisition of land to facilitate the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 144A. * Potential impacts include: * Improved infrastructure and connectivity along National Highway No. 144A. * Potential displacement or relocation of landowners and residents. * Economic benefits associated with improved transportation infrastructure. * Potential for disputes related to land acquisition and compensation. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signals the government's commitment to upgrading National Highway 144A. While the project promises improved infrastructure, stakeholders, particularly landowners, should be aware of their rights to object to the acquisition and ensure fair compensation. Further information can be obtained by inspecting the land plans at the office of the Competent Authority. This project has the potential to significantly improve regional connectivity.

Key Entities Referenced