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 Suigam Distt Banaskantha

## 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, concerning the acquisition of the right of user in land for laying a crude oil pipeline. The pipeline is part of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project by Indian Oil Corporation Limited, specifically running from Chudva to Panipat through Suigam, Banaskantha District, Gujarat. The notification outlines the government's intention to acquire the right of user and provides a schedule of affected land parcels, including village names, khasara numbers, and area to be acquired. It also details the procedure for lodging objections by individuals with interests in the land. The key finding is the formal initiation of the land acquisition process for this pipeline project, directly impacting landowners and stakeholders in the specified area. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a policy notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the right of user in land for laying a crude oil pipeline. The analysis is solely based on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *New Policy*. * **Core Objective(s) (Inferred from Text):** The core objective is to facilitate the construction of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project by enabling the Indian Oil Corporation Limited to lay a crude oil pipeline from Chudva to Panipat. This objective is achieved through the acquisition of the right of user in the land required for the pipeline's construction. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Problem/Issue Addressed (Inferred from Text):** The policy addresses the need for land access to facilitate the construction of essential infrastructure, specifically a crude oil pipeline. The text implies that acquiring the right of user in the land is necessary for the successful implementation of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project, suggesting potential difficulties in obtaining voluntary land access agreements. The mention of "public interest" implies that the project is deemed vital for energy security or economic development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Main Components, Rules, and Actions Mandated:** * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire the right of user in the land specified in the schedule annexed to the notification. * **Legal Basis:** This action is taken under the powers conferred by Sub Section 1 of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962). * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with interests in the land are provided with a 21-day window (from the date of publication in the Gazette of India) to object in writing to the acquisition or laying of the pipeline. * **Objection Submission Details:** Objections must be submitted to Shri Bharat J. Akruwala, Additional Collector Retd. Competent Authority, New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, at a specified address in Gandhidham, Gujarat. * **Schedule of Affected Land:** A detailed schedule specifies the affected land parcels in Suigam Taluka, Banaskantha District, Gujarat, including village names, khasara numbers, and the area to be acquired (in Hectare, Are, and Sq.mtr.). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified areas (Suigam Taluka, Banaskantha District, Gujarat) as listed in the schedule of affected land. They are directly impacted by the acquisition of the right of user in their land. * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited:** As the project proponent, they are responsible for constructing the pipeline and initiating the land acquisition process. * **Residents of Suigam Taluka, Banaskantha District, Gujarat:** The broader community may be indirectly affected by the project due to potential disruptions during construction or perceived environmental impacts. * **The Competent Authority (Shri Bharat J. Akruwala):** Responsible for receiving and addressing objections related to the land acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing the notification). * Indian Oil Corporation Limited (project implementation). * Competent Authority (handling objections). * Central Government (declaring intention to acquire). * **Timelines:** A 21-day period is provided for submitting objections from the date of publication in the Gazette of India. Beyond that, the document provides no direct timelines. * **Procedures:** The procedure for lodging objections is clearly defined: written objections must be submitted to the designated Competent Authority within the specified timeframe. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcomes:** * Smooth acquisition of the right of user in the land required for the pipeline. * Timely construction of the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. * Contribution to the "public interest," presumably related to energy security and/or economic development. * Resolution of land access issues that may have hindered project progress. **9. Conclusion:** The policy notification analyzed represents the initiation of the land acquisition process for a critical crude oil pipeline project, the New Mundra Panipat Pipeline Project. It outlines the government's intention to acquire the right of user in specified land parcels, provides a mechanism for affected landowners to raise objections, and sets the stage for the implementation of the project. The policy's significance lies in its role in enabling the construction of vital energy infrastructure, although its success hinges on addressing landowner concerns and adhering to the legal framework governing land acquisition.

Key Entities Referenced