Land acquisition on National Highway No. NH167BG in the State of ANDHRA PRADESH.

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH167BG **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 1352(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, published in the Gazette of India on March 25, 2021. The notification authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, for land acquisition related to the upgradation of National Highway NH167BG in Andhra Pradesh. Key findings include the identification of specific stretches of the highway and the districts, taluks/mandals, and villages affected by the land acquisition process. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the notification S.O. 1352(E) concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH167BG in Andhra Pradesh, based solely on the information contained within the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy action* in the sense that it enacts authority for specific officers under existing law (National Highways Act, 1956) for a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to authorize competent authorities for land acquisition to facilitate the upgradation of designated stretches of National Highway NH167BG to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification addresses the need to acquire land to facilitate the upgradation of National Highway NH167BG. This suggests that the existing road infrastructure is deemed inadequate and requires expansion to improve transportation efficiency and potentially road safety in the specified areas of Andhra Pradesh. The project aims to upgrade portions of the highway to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** Since this is a notification implementing existing law, the key provisions are: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core change is the authorization of specific officers (mentioned in column 2 of the schedule, although not named explicitly in the provided excerpt) to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956. This is a necessary step for the government to legally acquire land. * **Land Acquisition for Upgradation:** The notification specifies that this authorization pertains to land acquisition necessary for the "upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders" of specific sections of NH167BG. * **Specific Highway Sections Affected:** The key provision specifies *exactly* which sections of the highway are subject to the land acquisition. These are: * Km. 0.000 to 28.60 and Km. 45.600 to 59.600 of ATMAKUR NH167BG * Km. 28.600 to 45.600 and Km. 59.600 to 107.830 of KAVALI NH167BG * **Geographic Scope:** The notification explicitly states that this land acquisition relates to the State of Andhra Pradesh, and further specifies the districts, taluks/mandals, and villages involved. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretches of NH167BG are directly affected by the land acquisition process. * **Residents:** Residents of the villages mentioned in the schedule (Seetharamapuram, Singareddipalle, Ayyavaripalli, Basinenipalli, Pappulavaripalli, Kurrapalli, Pullampalli, Somalaregada, Duttalur, Brahmeswaram, Ravipadu, Vinjamur, Nandigunta, Kesavaram, Jammalapalem, Jaladanki, Annavaram, China Kraka, Kodandaramapuram, Brahmanakraka, Somavarappadu, Maddurupadu, Kavali Bit II, Kavali Bit I, Budamagunta, Tellapadu, ChinaAnnalooru, Dubagunta II, Krakuturu, Kommarakonduru, Pedakonduru, Ravulakollu, Kaligiri, Pedaannalooru, Velagapadu, Kothapeta, Anantapuram, Parikota, Lakshmipuram, Gudladona) are also directly affected. * **Transport and Construction Industries:** Companies involved in road construction and transportation infrastructure development will be significantly impacted. * **Local Businesses:** Businesses operating along or near the specified stretches of NH167BG may experience disruptions and/or benefits as a result of the road upgrades. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the central authority. The specific officers authorized in column 2 of the Schedule (not explicitly named) are responsible for implementing the land acquisition process. The Revenue Divisional Officer seems to be involved, given its mention in the schedule. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication (March 25, 2021). While specific timelines aren't given, the phrase "with effect from the date of publication" suggests immediate effect. The National Highways Act, 1956, will dictate the specific land acquisition procedures that must be followed. * The schedule appears to layout land acquisition targets by village **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impact of the land acquisition and subsequent road upgrades include: * **Improved Road Infrastructure:** The primary outcome is the upgradation of NH167BG to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders, leading to better road quality and potentially reduced travel times. * **Enhanced Transportation Efficiency:** Improved road infrastructure should facilitate smoother and more efficient transportation of goods and people along the NH167BG corridor. * **Economic Development:** Easier and more efficient transportation can spur economic development in the regions connected by NH167BG. * **Land Acquisition Compensation:** Landowners will receive compensation for the land acquired, as per the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Potential Disruption:** Businesses and residents may experience temporary disruptions during the construction phase. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 1352(E) authorizes specific officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the upgradation of designated sections of National Highway NH167BG in Andhra Pradesh. This is a crucial step in facilitating infrastructure development and improving transportation efficiency in the region. The notification directly impacts landowners, residents, and businesses located along the specified highway stretches and sets the stage for significant road construction activities. The National Highways Act, 1956, is the governing law.

Key Entities Referenced