Date: 2021-03-25Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No.17 (New 66), in the stretch of land from Km. 17.200 to Km. 104.000 (Thalapady Cheruvathur Section) in Kasaragod District in the State of Kerala
## Report on Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 17 (New 66) in Kerala
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a notification issued by the Central Government concerning land acquisition for the building, widening (six-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 17 (New 66) in the Thalapady-Cheruvathur section of Kasaragod District, Kerala. The core purpose of this policy is to facilitate infrastructure development by acquiring land for highway improvements. The key finding is the declaration of intent to acquire specific land parcels, along with a process for landowners to object to the acquisition.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of a government notification pertaining to land acquisition for the expansion and maintenance of National Highway No. 17 (New 66) in Kasaragod District, Kerala. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This appears to be a *new policy action* under the existing National Highways Act, 1956, rather than an amendment to an existing acquisition.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire land necessary for the building, widening (six-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 17 (New 66) between Km. 17.200 and Km. 104.000 in the Thalapady-Cheruvathur section. The underlying goal is presumably to improve transportation infrastructure for public benefit.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **Problem/Issue Addressed:** The notification suggests that the existing National Highway No. 17 (New 66) requires improvement, specifically widening to six lanes, to meet current and future transportation demands. The land acquisition is likely necessary to address capacity constraints, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety along this stretch of highway.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
* The Central Government declares its intention to acquire specific land parcels for the highway project.
* A detailed schedule lists the land to be acquired, including the survey number, plot number, type of land (Private/Government), nature of land (Dry, Wet, Garden, Poramboke, AW), and area in Hectares for each plot. The affected land spans several villages within the Hosdurg, Kasaragod, and Manjeshwaram Taluks of Kasaragod District.
* Interested persons (landowners) are given 21 days from the date of publication of the notification to object to the land acquisition.
* Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority, the Special Deputy Collector LANH, Kasaragod, outlining the grounds for objection.
* The Competent Authority is required to provide the objector an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner.
* The Competent Authority will make a final order allowing or disallowing the objections after conducting necessary inquiries.
* Land plans and other details are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
* The primary target audience is landowners in the Kasaragod District, specifically those owning land parcels identified in the schedule for acquisition.
* Other stakeholders include:
* Residents and businesses in the Kasaragod District who rely on the National Highway.
* The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
* Construction companies involved in the highway project.
* The Competent Authority (Special Deputy Collector LANH, Kasaragod).
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** The Central Government, through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is responsible for implementing the land acquisition. The Special Deputy Collector LANH, Kasaragod, acts as the Competent Authority.
* **Timelines:** Landowners have 21 days from the notification's publication date (March 25, 2021) to file objections. The text does not specify timelines for subsequent steps (hearing objections, final order, land acquisition, construction).
* **Procedures:** The procedure involves: 1) Notification of intent to acquire; 2) Opportunity for landowners to object; 3) Hearing of objections by the Competent Authority; 4) Enquiry and order by the Competent Authority (allowing or disallowing objections); and 5) Presumed acquisition of land as per the final order.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* The intended outcome is the successful acquisition of land required for the expansion and improvement of National Highway No. 17 (New 66).
* This should facilitate improved traffic flow, reduced congestion, enhanced road safety, and better connectivity in the region.
* The project could stimulate economic growth and development in Kasaragod District and surrounding areas.
* Potential negative impacts include displacement of landowners, disruption to local communities, and environmental concerns related to construction.
**9. Conclusion:**
The government notification outlines the intent to acquire land for the expansion and improvement of National Highway No. 17 (New 66) in Kasaragod District, Kerala. The notification details the land parcels targeted for acquisition and provides a process for landowners to object. The project is significant as it aims to improve transportation infrastructure, potentially boosting economic growth and connectivity in the region. Affected landowners should carefully review the notification and, if necessary, exercise their right to object within the specified timeframe.
Key Entities Referenced
National Highways Act, 1956: A law enacted in 1956, referenced as the 'said Act' in the notification, pertaining to national highways.
Central Government: The governing authority that has deemed land necessary for public purposes related to highway construction and maintenance.
National Highway No.17 New 66: A specific national highway that is undergoing building, widening, six-laning, maintenance, management, and operation.
Thalapady-Cheruvathur Section: A section of National Highway No.17 New 66, specifically the stretch of land from Km. 17.200 to Km. 104.000.
Kasaragod District: The district in which the land acquisition is taking place. It is located in the State of Kerala.
Kerala: The state in India where the land acquisition for the highway project is located.
Special Deputy Collector LANH, Kasaragod: The Competent Authority designated to receive objections related to the land acquisition.
Hosdurg Taluk: A taluk (administrative division) within Kasaragod District, Kerala, containing villages affected by the land acquisition.
Ajanur Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Balla Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Cheruvathur Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Nileshwaram Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Periya Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Pilicode Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Pullur Village: A village within Hosdurg Taluk where land is being acquired.
Kasaragod Taluk: A taluk (administrative division) within Kasaragod District, Kerala, containing villages affected by the land acquisition.
Puthur Village: A village within Kasaragod Taluk where land is being acquired.
Chengala Village: A village within Kasaragod Taluk where land is being acquired.
Kasaragod Village: A village within Kasaragod Taluk where land is being acquired.
Kudlu Village: A village within Kasaragod Taluk where land is being acquired.
Thekkil Village: A village within Kasaragod Taluk where land is being acquired.
Manjeshwaram Taluk: A taluk (administrative division) within Kasaragod District, Kerala, containing villages affected by the land acquisition.
Arikady Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Bangramanjeshwara Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Hosbettu Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Koipady Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Kunjathur Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Mangalpady Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Shiriya Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.
Udyavara Village: A village within Manjeshwaram Taluk where land is being acquired.