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

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, specifically Notification S.O. No. 2761E dated 29th July 2019. The amendment, enacted through Notification S.O. 67E on January 7, 2021, pertains to the authorization of a Competent Authority in the State of Karnataka for the laying of pipelines for the Hassan Cherlapalli LPG Pipeline (HCPL) project by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The key finding is the replacement of the previously designated authority with Shri M. K. Ramesh, Special Land Acquisition Officer, Government of Karnataka, to perform the functions of Competent Authority. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of the amendment to the Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, as published in the Gazette of India on January 7, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification and aims to clarify the purpose, changes, and implications of this amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Amendment:** This notification amends the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas S.O. No. 2761E dated 29th July 2019. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The underlying objective of the Act, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the acquisition of the right of user in land for laying petroleum and mineral pipelines. This specific amendment aims to ensure efficient and authorized execution of the Hassan Cherlapalli LPG Pipeline (HCPL) project in Karnataka. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely stems from a need to update or revise the designated Competent Authority responsible for facilitating the land acquisition process for the HCPL project in Karnataka. While the specific reason for the change is not stated in the text, potential reasons could include personnel changes within the government, realignment of responsibilities, or a need for specific expertise. This change is important for the continued progress of the HCPL project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification amends the previous notification (S.O. No. 2761E dated 29th July 2019) by changing the designated Competent Authority. * **Specific Part Changed:** The portion of the original policy that designates the Competent Authority for the State of Karnataka under the Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, specifically concerning the HCPL project. * **New Rule/Provision:** The new Competent Authority is Shri M. K. Ramesh, Special Land Acquisition Officer, Government of Karnataka. * **Difference/Effect:** The amendment replaces the previously authorized individual or entity with Shri M. K. Ramesh. This change effectively transfers the responsibility of performing the functions of the Competent Authority, as defined by the Act, to Shri M. K. Ramesh. This likely restarts processes or requires a review of ongoing land acquisition activities with the new authority now in charge. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders directly affected by this amendment are: * **Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL):** As the company responsible for the HCPL project, HPCL will directly interact with the new Competent Authority for land acquisition matters. * **Shri M. K. Ramesh, Special Land Acquisition Officer, Government of Karnataka:** Assumes the role and responsibilities of the Competent Authority. * **Landowners in Karnataka:** Those whose land falls along the proposed HCPL pipeline route will be impacted by land acquisition decisions made by the new Competent Authority. * **Government of Karnataka:** The state government is indirectly affected as the HCPL project progresses, ensuring the project is properly executed. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is responsible for issuing the notification. * The Government of Karnataka (specifically the Special Land Acquisition Officer) is responsible for implementing the land acquisition process. * HPCL is responsible for coordinating with the Competent Authority to facilitate the project. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication (January 7, 2021). Specific procedures for land acquisition are likely governed by the Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, but are not detailed in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is a smooth and efficient transition in the role of the Competent Authority for the HCPL project in Karnataka. This should ideally facilitate the timely and lawful acquisition of land rights necessary for the pipeline's construction. However, any ongoing negotiations or processes that were underway with the previous Competent Authority will need to be revisited and updated with the new authority. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Petroleum Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, represents a key administrative update by designating Shri M. K. Ramesh as the new Competent Authority for the HCPL project in Karnataka. This change is significant for HPCL, landowners, and the overall progression of the pipeline project. The effective execution of this amendment is critical to the timely completion of the HCPL project.

Key Entities Referenced