Date: 2021-03-26Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
maintenance, management and operation of NH72 in the stretch of land from Km 97 to Km 104 (Paonta Sahib bypass) in the district of SIRMAUR in the State of HIMACHAL PRADESH
## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 72 Upgradation in Himachal Pradesh
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding the intention to acquire land for the upgradation and planning of the Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section of National Highway No. 72 (NH72) in the district of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh. This includes widening the road and constructing a bypass. The notification serves as a declaration of intent to acquire specific land parcels and outlines the process for affected parties to raise objections.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of the land acquisition notification published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on March 26, 2021, concerning the upgradation of National Highway 72 in Himachal Pradesh. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a *new* land acquisition policy notification under the National Highways Act, 1956, for a specific project.
* **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the provided text, the primary objective is to acquire land necessary for the following:
* Upgradation and planning of the Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section of NH72 from km 104.000 to km 149.000.
* Construction of a bypass to Paonta Saheb from km 97.000 to km 104.000.
* Building widening (two-lane with paved shoulder and four-laning).
* Realignments and link roads.
* Maintenance, management, and operation of NH72.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As a *new* policy notification, the likely problem/issue this addresses is the *need to acquire land* to facilitate infrastructure improvements for National Highway 72. The text indicates that the existing highway infrastructure requires upgrading and widening to improve connectivity, safety, and efficiency of transport in the region. The bypass construction suggests a need to alleviate congestion within Paonta Saheb. The phrase "for the public purpose" is explicitly stated.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As this is a new notification for a specific land acquisition project, the key provisions are:
* **Declaration of Intent:** The notification declares the Central Government's intention to acquire land described in the Schedule.
* **Land Description:** The Schedule provides detailed information about the land parcels to be acquired, including:
* State and District (Himachal Pradesh, Sirmaur).
* Village and Taluk (Various, Poanta Sahib).
* Survey Number.
* Type of Land (Private, Government, Common).
* Nature of Land (Agriculture, Non-Agriculture, Nahari, Yamuna).
* Area in Hectares.
* **Objection Mechanism:** The notification outlines a process for individuals interested in the land to object to the acquisition within 21 days of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette.
* **Competent Authority:** The Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Paonta Sahib, is designated as the Competent Authority to receive and adjudicate objections.
* **Objection Process:** Objectors must submit their objections in writing, stating the grounds for objection. The Competent Authority is required to provide an opportunity for a hearing.
* **Finality of Decision:** The Competent Authority's decision regarding objections is final.
* **Access to Information:** Land plans and other details related to the acquisition are available for inspection at the Competent Authority's office.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification are:
* Landowners within the district of Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh, whose land is identified in the Schedule for acquisition.
* Residents of the villages of Bhuppur, Kedarpur, Upsampada Kedarpur, and Upsampada Shamsherpur.
* Anyone with an interest (e.g., tenants, mortgagees) in the land parcels listed in the Schedule.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority).
* National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) (as indicated by the file number).
* Sub Divisional Officer (Civil), Paonta Sahib (Competent Authority).
* **Timelines:**
* 21 days from the date of publication of the notification for submitting objections.
* **Procedures:**
* Submission of written objections to the Competent Authority.
* Opportunity for a hearing before the Competent Authority.
* Enquiry by the Competent Authority.
* Order by the Competent Authority allowing or disallowing the objections.
* Inspection of land plans at the office of the Competent Authority.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this land acquisition, based on the provided text, are:
* Facilitation of the upgradation and widening of National Highway 72.
* Improved connectivity and transportation efficiency along the Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section.
* Reduced traffic congestion in Paonta Saheb due to the construction of a bypass.
* Enhancement of road safety for travelers.
* Overall economic development of the region through improved infrastructure.
**9. Conclusion:**
The notification represents a crucial step in the process of upgrading National Highway 72. It formally declares the government's intention to acquire specific land parcels and establishes a process for addressing objections from affected parties. The successful implementation of this land acquisition will pave the way for improved transportation infrastructure, which is expected to have a positive impact on the regional economy and the lives of its residents.
Key Entities Referenced
National Highways Act, 1956: A law enacted in 1956, referred to as 'the said Act' in the document, which confers powers related to national highways.
Central Government: The governing body authorized to make decisions under the National Highways Act, 1956.
Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section: A section of road being upgraded, specifically from km 104.000 to km 149.000.
Paonta Saheb: A city in Himachal Pradesh. Mentioned in context to upgradation and planning of Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section
Dehradun: A city in Uttarakhand. Mentioned in context to upgradation and planning of Paonta Saheb-Ballupur-Dehradun section
National Highway No. 72: The specific national highway affected by this notification. It is referred to as NH72.
SIRMAUR: A district in Himachal Pradesh where land acquisition is taking place for the project.
HIMACHAL PRADESH: The state in India where the land acquisition is occurring.
Sub Divisional Officer Civil Paonta Sahib: The Competent Authority to whom objections regarding the land acquisition can be made.
Bhuppur: A village in the Taluk of Poanta Sahib, where land is being acquired.
Kedarpur: A village where land is being acquired.
Upsampada Kedarpur: A village where land is being acquired.
Upsampada Shamsherpur: A village where land is being acquired.
Yamuna: A type of land in Village Bhuppur. Survey Number 770, 771, 800 and 801
Poanta Sahib: A Taluk where land is being acquired.
NHAI11013LAPIUVSNTVHR20203A2: File number of the notification
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS: The ministry responsible for the notification