Publication of notification in Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under clause (a) of section 2 of the petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 relating to notification of Shri. Anil Kumar Garg, retired Tehsildar (P.C.S), Government of Punjab as Competent Authority for the Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline project (BSPL) and HPCLs existing pipelines namely Raman Mandi Bahadurgarh Pipeline (RBPL) Raman Mandi Bathinda Pipeline (RBhPL)

## Policy Analysis Report: Authorization Under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on December 17, 2021, regarding the authorization of a Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. The notification designates Shri. Anil Kumar Garg (Retired P.C.S.) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. as the Competent Authority, granting him the power to perform functions under the Act in relation to the Hindustan Petroleum Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline, specifically within the Punjab State Bathinda Retail Regional Office area. The notification aims to facilitate the efficient implementation of pipeline projects by delegating authority to a designated official. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of a government notification pertaining to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, as published in the Gazette of India on December 17, 2021. The analysis focuses on understanding the purpose, key provisions, and implications of this notification, based solely on the information contained within the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification pertains to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to delegate the functions of the Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962, to a designated individual for a specific pipeline project and area. This aims to streamline the process of acquiring the right of user in land for pipeline construction and maintenance. **4. Background and Rationale:** * This notification likely addresses the need for efficient administration and implementation of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962. By designating a Competent Authority, the government aims to expedite the process of land acquisition and ensure smooth progress of pipeline projects. The delegation of authority to a specific individual (Shri. Anil Kumar Garg) indicates a targeted approach towards specific pipeline projects requiring focused attention. **5. Key Provisions:** This notification primarily authorizes Shri. Anil Kumar Garg (Retired P.C.S.) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. to perform the functions of the Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. The authorization extends to the following: * **Competent Authority:** Shri Anil Kumar Garg is named as the Competent Authority. * **Area of Jurisdiction:** His jurisdiction is limited to the Hindustan Petroleum Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline, specifically within the Punjab State Bathinda Retail Regional Office area encompassing Ramanmandi Bahadurgadh Pipeline within Bathinda (151 001). * **Legal Basis:** The authorization is based on clause (a) of section 2 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962. * **Effective Date:** The notification is effective from the date of its issuance, December 17, 2021. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders include: * **Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.:** As the entity responsible for the Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline, HPCL is directly affected by this authorization, as it now has a designated Competent Authority to facilitate land acquisition. * **Landowners and Residents within the designated area:** Individuals and communities whose land may be required for the pipeline project are directly impacted by this notification. * **Government Agencies:** Relevant government agencies involved in land acquisition and pipeline regulation are stakeholders in this process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) is the key organization involved, as the designated Competent Authority is an official of this company. * **Procedures:** The notification doesn't explicitly detail procedures. However, it implicitly requires the Competent Authority to follow the procedures outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962, for land acquisition. * **Timelines:** The notification takes effect immediately upon issuance. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification include: * **Streamlined Land Acquisition:** The designation of a Competent Authority is expected to expedite the process of acquiring the right of user in land for the Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline. * **Efficient Project Implementation:** By addressing potential delays related to land acquisition, the notification contributes to the smooth and timely implementation of the pipeline project. * **Clarity of Authority:** The notification clarifies the individual responsible for performing the functions of the Competent Authority, reducing potential ambiguity and improving accountability. **9. Conclusion:** The notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on December 17, 2021, is a key instrument for facilitating the implementation of the Hindustan Petroleum Bathinda Sangrur Pipeline project. By authorizing Shri. Anil Kumar Garg as the Competent Authority under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962, the government aims to streamline land acquisition and ensure the efficient execution of this important infrastructure project. This designation provides clarity and empowers a specific individual to act according to the existing laws, which should lead to more effective project management within the defined geographic area.

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