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 in respect of Shri. A J Senthil Arasan, Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore South, Coimbatore to perform the function as Competent Authority for acquisition of Right of User (RoU) under the PMP Act 1962 in the State of Tamilnadu for Kochi Salem LPG Pipeline

## Report on Amendment to Regulations Regarding Kochi Salem Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, published on June 14, 2022. This notification constitutes an amendment to previous regulations concerning the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project (KSPPL). The core purpose of this amendment is to authorize a change in the designated "Competent Authority" responsible for performing functions related to land acquisition for the pipeline project in the state of Tamil Nadu. The key finding is the replacement of Ms. Sharley Angela P. with Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan as the Competent Authority. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide stakeholders with an informative overview and analysis of a notification concerning the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project, based solely on the provided government policy text. This report focuses on the changes introduced by the amendment. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** The notification amends regulations established under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. This Act grants the government the authority to acquire land for pipeline projects. The original Competent Authority was notified via S.O. No. 2007E dated 01042021, published in Gazette of India No. 1870 dated 24.05.2021. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred):** The underlying objective, based on the amendment, is to ensure the smooth and efficient continuation of the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project by maintaining a designated authority responsible for land acquisition and related functions. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment is likely necessitated by a change in personnel. Ms. Sharley Angela P., the previously designated Competent Authority, was replaced by Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan. This change may be due to Ms. Angela P's reassignment, promotion, or other reasons necessitating a new appointment to maintain the project's progress. The text indicates Ms. Angela P was on deputation, which further supports the reasoning that her term ended. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** The amendment specifically alters the designation of the "Competent Authority" responsible for functions outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, specifically for the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project in Tamil Nadu. * **New Rule/Provision:** Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan, Deputy Collector, is now authorized to perform the functions of the Competent Authority, replacing Ms. Sharley Angela P., Deputy Collector. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The primary effect of this change is the transfer of responsibilities related to land acquisition and the implementation of the Act from Ms. Sharley Angela P. to Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan. This ensures the project has a designated individual with the authority to make decisions and carry out necessary actions. Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan will be the point of contact for all matters concerning the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project under the aforementioned Act in the state of Tamil Nadu. The text also mentions that the competent authority is also the Nodal Officer for Kochi Salem Pipeline Project Coimbatore. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * **Kochi Salem Pipeline Private Limited (KSPPL):** The company responsible for the pipeline project. They will now interact with Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan as the Competent Authority. * **Landowners in Tamil Nadu:** Those whose land may be subject to acquisition for the pipeline project will now be dealing with the new Competent Authority. * **Government of Tamil Nadu:** Specifically, departments involved in land administration and project oversight will need to be aware of this change. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is responsible for issuing the notification. Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan, as the new Competent Authority and Nodal Officer, is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act related to the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project in Tamil Nadu. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its issue (June 14, 2022). There are no other specific timelines or procedures detailed in the provided text, however one can infer that all processes that involved the previous Competent Authority will now involve Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to maintain continuity and prevent delays in the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project. By designating a new Competent Authority, the government ensures that land acquisition and related processes can continue without interruption. The impact of this change is primarily administrative, ensuring the project remains on track. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed constitutes an amendment to regulations governing the Kochi Salem Pipeline Project. The core change is the replacement of the designated Competent Authority, with Shri. A.J. Senthil Arasan assuming the responsibilities previously held by Ms. Sharley Angela P. This amendment is significant as it ensures the project can continue to progress smoothly and efficiently. This report is based solely on the provided text, and further information may be required for a more comprehensive understanding of the project and the implications of this change.

Key Entities Referenced