In pursuance of clause a of Section 2 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization of Competent Authorities for Crude Oil Pipeline Project in Bihar **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, dated July 26, 2021. The notification authorizes specific Deputy Collectors Land Reforms within the State Government of Bihar to act as Competent Authorities for the acquisition of right of user in land for the laying of a dedicated crude oil pipeline by Numaligarh Refinery Limited. The pipeline will run from Paradip, Odisha to Numaligarh, Assam, and this notification pertains to areas within Bihar. Key findings include the identification of specific authorities and their designated areas of jurisdiction. This report aims to inform stakeholders about the designated authorities and their roles in the land acquisition process for this project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of a notification published by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding the authorization of Competent Authorities for the Numaligarh Refinery Limited crude oil pipeline project in Bihar. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy pertaining to the designation of authorities for a specific project under *the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962*. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this notification is to authorize specific Deputy Collectors Land Reforms within Bihar as "Competent Authorities" to facilitate the acquisition of right of user in land for the laying of a crude oil pipeline, as mandated by the *Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962*. This is to enable the construction of Numaligarh Refinery Limited's crude oil pipeline from Paradip, Odisha to Numaligarh, Assam, specifically concerning the sections running through Bihar. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need to efficiently acquire land rights for the construction of a dedicated crude oil pipeline. It seems this pipeline project requires land across multiple districts of Bihar. This notification specifies the designated authority for each district, streamlining the land acquisition process by clearly defining who has the power to act as a competent authority within the defined geographical area. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a *new* policy, so the key provisions are as follows: * The notification authorizes specific Deputy Collectors Land Reforms in Bihar to act as Competent Authorities under the *Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962*. * The authorization is specifically for the laying of a dedicated crude oil pipeline of Numaligarh Refinery Limited from Paradip, Odisha to Numaligarh, Assam. * The notification clearly defines the area of jurisdiction for each authorized Deputy Collector, based on the district they serve: * Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Kishanganj: Areas falling in Kishanganj District, State of Bihar. * Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Purnia: Areas falling in Purnia District, State of Bihar. * Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Katihar: Areas falling in Katihar District, State of Bihar. * Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Bhagalpur: Areas falling in Bhagalpur District, State of Bihar. * Deputy Collector Land Reforms, Araria: Areas falling in Araria District, State of Bihar. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * **Numaligarh Refinery Limited:** As the company responsible for laying the pipeline, they are directly affected by this policy. * **Deputy Collectors Land Reforms (Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Araria):** These officials are now designated as Competent Authorities. * **Landowners in Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur and Araria Districts, Bihar:** The policy directly impacts landowners as it concerns the acquisition of land rights for the pipeline. * **The State Government of Bihar:** The policy involves state government officials in a specific capacity. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The key bodies involved are the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing the notification), the State Government of Bihar (through its Deputy Collectors Land Reforms), and Numaligarh Refinery Limited. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification states it is effective from the date of issue (July 26, 2021). Specific timelines or procedures for land acquisition are not detailed in this notification but are likely governed by the *Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962*. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this policy is to facilitate the efficient and legal acquisition of land rights for the Numaligarh Refinery Limited crude oil pipeline project in Bihar. By clearly designating Competent Authorities at the district level, the policy aims to streamline the land acquisition process, minimize delays, and ensure compliance with the *Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962*. This efficient process is likely to accelerate the overall pipeline construction project. **9. Conclusion:** The notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas designates specific Deputy Collectors Land Reforms in Bihar as Competent Authorities for the Numaligarh Refinery Limited crude oil pipeline project, streamlining the land acquisition process within the state. This notification is significant as it defines roles and responsibilities, facilitating the timely completion of the pipeline project while adhering to legal requirements. This clarification should allow for faster implementation.

Key Entities Referenced