Publication of notification in the Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under Section 3(1) of the PMP Act 1962 in respect of New Mundra Panipat Crude Pipeline(MPPL) project to be laid by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) for acquisition of ROU in the State of Gujarat Tehsil Bhachau Distt Kutch

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Crude Oil Pipeline - New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a new policy notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, published on December 15, 2022. The policy declares the Central Government's intention to acquire the right of user in land for laying a crude oil pipeline from Chudva to Panipat under the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). The key finding is that this notification initiates the land acquisition process, inviting objections from landowners within a specified timeframe. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the policy notification S.O. 5998(E), published in the Gazette of India on December 21, 2022, regarding the acquisition of the right of user in land for a crude oil pipeline project. This analysis is based solely on the information provided within the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Type:** New Policy Notification * **Core Objective(s):** To acquire the right of user in land required for laying a crude oil pipeline from Chudva to Panipat under the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project by Indian Oil Corporation Limited. This is explicitly stated in the text: "it is necessary in the public interest to lay Crude Oil Pipeline from Chudva to Panipat under New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project..." and "...it is necessary to acquire the right of user in the land described in the schedule annexed to this notification." **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy notification, this likely addresses the need for expanding and improving the crude oil pipeline infrastructure in India. The project aims to connect Chudva to Panipat, suggesting a strategic move to enhance the transportation network for crude oil. The text explicitly states that the laying of this pipeline is deemed "necessary in the public interest," implying that the project aims to improve the supply and distribution of crude oil. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a new policy declaration, the key provision outlined in the text is the declaration of intent by the Central Government to acquire the right of user in the land specified in the attached schedule. The policy outlines the following main components: * **Declaration of Intent:** The core of the policy is the government's stated intention to acquire the right of user in the specified land. * **Project Details:** The policy identifies the project as the "New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project" and names the implementing entity as "Indian Oil Corporation Limited." * **Geographic Scope:** The affected land is located in Taluka Bhachau of Kutch District in the State of Gujarat. Specific Khasara numbers and areas to be acquired are listed in a schedule. * **Objection Mechanism:** The policy establishes a mechanism for affected individuals to object to the acquisition. It provides a timeframe of twenty-one days from the publication date for submitting objections in writing. * **Contact Information:** The policy provides the contact information of the "Competent Authority," Shri Bharat J. Akruwala, for submitting objections. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities who own land within the specified areas (listed in the schedule with Khasara numbers) in Taluka Bhachau, Kutch District, Gujarat. These landowners are directly affected by the proposed acquisition. * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):** The implementing agency responsible for the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. * **General Public:** While not explicitly stated, the phrase "public interest" suggests that the broader community stands to benefit from improved crude oil infrastructure. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the responsible government body. Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is the implementing agency for the pipeline project. Shri Bharat J. Akruwala, Additional Collector Retd., is identified as the "Competent Authority" for handling objections. * **Timeline:** A 21-day period is provided for landowners to file objections, starting from the date the notification is made available to the public. * **Procedure:** The policy outlines a procedure for landowners to object in writing to the acquisition of the right of user or the laying of the pipeline. The objections must be submitted to the designated Competent Authority. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this policy is to facilitate the laying of the crude oil pipeline by acquiring the necessary rights of user in the land. The successful implementation of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project is expected to improve the transportation and supply of crude oil, contributing to energy security and economic development. The impact on landowners includes potential compensation for the right of user acquired. The policy aims to balance the public interest with the rights of individual landowners by providing a mechanism for objections and presumably fair compensation. **9. Conclusion:** The policy notification S.O. 5998(E) represents a crucial step in the development of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. By declaring the intention to acquire the right of user in land, the government initiates the process of building vital infrastructure for crude oil transportation. The notification provides a clear framework for affected landowners to raise concerns and seek redress, highlighting the government's commitment to due process and public interest. The success of this project hinges on the efficient and equitable implementation of this policy.

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