In supersession to Gazette Notification published vide S O No 3939 E dated the 18th December 2017 exercising of powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highways Act

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding National Highway No. NH 353J in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition and authorization of competent authorities for National Highway No. NH 353J in the state of Maharashtra. The notification, dated February 2, 2021, supersedes a previous notification and authorizes specific officers to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956 for the purpose of building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management and operation of a specific stretch of the highway. The key finding is the identification of specific stretches of land within various villages and districts slated for acquisition and the designation of competent authorities for facilitating this process. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of a notification pertaining to National Highway No. NH 353J in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification and aims to inform affected parties about its key provisions and potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification supersedes Gazette Notification S.O. No. 3939(E) dated December 18, 2017. Thus this is best described as an amendment of policy. * **Core Objective(s):** * To authorize officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * To facilitate land acquisition for building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management and operation of NH 353J. **4. Background and Rationale:** * This notification amends a previous notification, authorizing new officers with the powers conferred by the National Highways Act, 1956 for the acquisition of land required for expanding and improving the NH 353J. The most likely reason for the amendment is the need to update and/or change the officer with the authority to perform the function. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** This notification supersedes the S.O. No. 3939(E) dated December 18th, 2017 notification. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Central Government authorizes the officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule to perform functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, with effect from the date of publication. These authorities will oversee land acquisition for the stretch of land from design chainages Km. 13 to Km. 62.9 of the NH353J for building wideningfourlaning, etc., maintenance, management and operation. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** This change effectively replaces the authorities designated in the superseded notification with the officers named in the schedule of the current notification. This is most likely a change in personnel or the reallocation of responsibilities. It allows the process of land acquisition and highway development to continue under the oversight of the newly authorized officers. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretches of NH 353J in the districts of Nagpur that are subject to acquisition. * **Residents:** Residents of the villages listed in the schedule (Siraswadi, Sonkhamb, Aajangaon, Chargaon, Dorli Bk, Ubagi, Tarabodi, Metpanjra, Mendhepathar, Hatla, Pardi Gotmare, Borgondi, Amnergandi, Linga, Kukadi Panjra, Pethbudhwar, Katol, Gonhi Khurd, Yerla, Mohali, Ghorad, Ghogli Pipla, Deshmukh, Dahegaon, Khapari, Kalmeshwar Savangi, Jamdar, and Ubgi). * **National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):** The primary implementing agency responsible for the highway project. * **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** The government ministry overseeing the project and issuing the notification. * **Contractors and Construction Companies:** Businesses involved in the construction, widening, and maintenance of the highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority). * The officers mentioned in column 2 of the schedule. * Potentially the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) based on the file number (NHAIPIUNGP2NKLA3a). * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (February 2, 2021). The procedures for land acquisition will likely follow the guidelines outlined in the National Highways Act, 1956. The notification itself does not specify a timeline for project completion. * **Implementation Specifically Related to the Changes:** The officers specified in the schedule must be informed of their new responsibilities and given the resources necessary to continue the project. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The likely intended outcome of this specific change (the amendment) is to ensure the smooth continuation or resumption of the NH 353J development project. The change provides clear lines of responsibility and authorizes officers with the powers to facilitate land acquisition, which is critical for project progress. Delays would occur if the role and authority are vacant. * The implementation of this amendment is expected to facilitate the planned building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of NH 353J. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed represents a crucial step in the development of National Highway No. NH 353J. By authorizing specific officers to act as competent authorities, the government aims to streamline the land acquisition process and facilitate the timely execution of the highway project. Affected parties, particularly landowners and residents along the designated stretch, should be aware of this notification and its implications. The efficiency of the officer in the specified role will be the biggest determination of project success.

Key Entities Referenced