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 Special Land Acquisition Officer, Siliguri (Teesta Barrage Project) and Special Land Acquisition Officer, Jalpaiguri as Competent Authority for IOCLs Siliguri Jhapa Pipeline (SJPL) Project in the State of West Bengal

Executive Summary The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued this notification on August 18, 2026, to authorize specific officers as the Competent Authority for the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) Siliguri Jhapa Pipeline (SJPL) project. This authorization, made under the Petroleum and Mineral Pipelines Act, 1962, facilitates the acquisition of the "right of user" in land across the districts of Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. The notification became effective immediately upon its issuance.

Key Points / Main Content

• Legal Framework: The authorization is granted in pursuance of clause (a) of Section 2 of the Petroleum and Mineral Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962.
• Designated Competent Authorities: The Central Government has appointed the following officers to act as the Competent Authority for the project:
  • Special Land Acquisition Officer, Siliguri (Teesta Barrage Project).
  • Special Land Acquisition Officer, Jalpaiguri.
• Project Scope: The authorization is specifically for the Siliguri Jhapa Pipeline (SJPL) project under the Pipelines Division of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
• Geographical Coverage: The pipeline project is slated to traverse through specific regions in West Bengal, including:
  • Siliguri Block in Jalpaiguri District.
  • Naxalbari and Kharibari Blocks in Darjeeling District.
• Effective Date: The provisions of this notification are active starting from August 18, 2026.

Impact Analysis

Special Land Acquisition Officers (Siliguri and Jalpaiguri) Impact These officers are now legally empowered as the "Competent Authority" to oversee the acquisition of the right of user in land for the SJPL project. Action Required They must perform the statutory duties and exercise the powers vested in a Competent Authority under the 1962 Act for the specified pipeline route.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Pipelines Division) Impact The company gains a designated legal authority to process land-use rights, allowing the SJPL project to proceed through the identified blocks in West Bengal. Action Required Coordinate with the designated Special Land Acquisition Officers to initiate and manage the land acquisition process.

Landowners in Siliguri, Naxalbari, and Kharibari Blocks Impact Properties located within these blocks may be subject to the acquisition of "right of user" for the construction and maintenance of the pipeline. Action Required Monitor for further notices or proceedings initiated by the newly authorized Competent Authorities regarding their land.