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 Bharat J. Akuwala, Additional Collector (Retd.) as Competent Authorities of New Mundra Panipat Crude Oil Pipeline project in Gujarat state

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Competent Authority for Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition in Gujarat **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 4905(E)) issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, dated October 17, 2022. This notification, issued under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, designates Shri Bharat J. Akruwala as the Competent Authority for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project within the State of Gujarat. The purpose of this notification is to legally empower the designated individual to perform specific functions related to land acquisition for the pipeline project, as defined by the aforementioned Act. This report details the key provisions of the notification and its implications for stakeholders involved in the project. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the Notification S.O. 4905(E) issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, on October 17, 2022, pertaining to the authorization of a Competent Authority for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project in Gujarat. This analysis is based solely on the information provided in the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new* policy implementation under the existing Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to designate and authorize a specific individual to act as the Competent Authority, thereby enabling the legal and efficient execution of land acquisition processes for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project within Gujarat, in accordance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy implementation: The construction of petroleum and mineral pipelines often requires acquiring the right of user over land. The Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, provides the legal framework for this acquisition. To implement this Act effectively, the government needs to designate a "Competent Authority" who is empowered to perform specific functions related to land acquisition. This notification likely addresses the need to formally appoint such an authority for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project, enabling the project to proceed with land acquisition in compliance with the law. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy implementation. The main provision of this notification is the formal authorization of Shri Bharat J. Akruwala, Additional Collector (Retd.), as the Competent Authority for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project within the State of Gujarat. This authorization grants him the legal power to perform the functions defined under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, within the specified area of jurisdiction (Gujarat). The notification explicitly references Clause (a) of Section 2 of the Act as the basis for this authorization. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Shri Bharat J. Akruwala:** The designated Competent Authority. * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):** The company undertaking the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. * **Landowners and occupants in Gujarat:** Whose land may be subject to the acquisition of the right of user for the pipeline project. * **Government of Gujarat:** As the relevant state government within which the project is being implemented. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing the notification), Shri Bharat J. Akruwala (Competent Authority), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (project proponent). * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its issue (October 17, 2022). Specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, which is referenced in the notification, although the text doesn't detail these processes. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this notification is to facilitate the smooth and legal acquisition of land rights required for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project in Gujarat. By formally designating a Competent Authority, the government aims to expedite the land acquisition process, minimize potential disputes, and ensure compliance with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. This, in turn, is expected to contribute to the timely completion of the pipeline project. **9. Conclusion:** The Notification S.O. 4905(E) is a crucial step in the implementation of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. By authorizing Shri Bharat J. Akruwala as the Competent Authority, the government provides the necessary legal framework for land acquisition within Gujarat, enabling the project to proceed in accordance with established laws and regulations. This notification is significant for all stakeholders involved in the project, particularly landowners, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, and the relevant government agencies.

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