Publication of notification in the Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under Section 6(1) of the PMP Act 1962 1962 relating to land schedule in respect of Hassan Cherlapalli LPG Pipeline Project to be laid by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) for acquisition of ROU in the State of Telangana Mandal Pebbair, District Wanaparthy

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for LPG Pipeline in Telangana **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land in Telangana for laying an LPG pipeline by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). The notification declares the Central Government's decision to acquire the RoU for the pipeline and directs that this right vest in HPCL, who will be responsible for compensation. The key finding is the formal acquisition of land rights for the pipeline project, transferring responsibility for compensation to HPCL. This analysis is solely based on the provided text of the notification. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a notification published in the Gazette of India concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for land in Telangana for the purpose of laying a pipeline. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification pertains to land acquisition under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** Based on the text, the core objective is to facilitate the laying of an LPG pipeline from Hassan, Karnataka, to Cherlapalli, Telangana, by acquiring the Right of User in the necessary land, and transferring this right, along with the liability for compensation, to Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification doesn't explicitly state the rationale. However, it can be inferred that the policy addresses the need for secure and efficient transportation of LPG. The pipeline project requires access to land for its construction and operation. This notification provides the legal framework for acquiring the necessary land rights, ensuring the project can proceed. This builds upon earlier notifications (S.O. No.3948E dated 25th Oct. 2019 and S.O. No.2971E dated 22nd July 2021) which declared the initial intention to acquire the land. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a declaration of the Right of User acquisition, not an amendment. The key provisions established by the text are: * **Acquisition of Right of User:** The Central Government declares that the Right of User in the land specified in the schedule is acquired for laying the pipeline. * **Vesting of Rights in HPCL:** The Right of User is vested in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) instead of the Central Government. This vesting is free from all encumbrances. * **HPCL's Liability for Compensation:** HPCL is exclusively liable for any compensation related to the land acquisition as per Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962. * **No Legal Recourse Against Central Government:** The notification explicitly states that no suit, claim, or legal proceeding would lie against the Central Government concerning matters related to the pipeline. * **Schedule of Affected Land:** A schedule is provided listing the specific land parcels affected by the acquisition, including the Mandal, District, State, Village, Survey Numbers, and Area (Acres and Guntas). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification are: * **Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL):** As the entity receiving the Right of User and assuming responsibility for compensation, HPCL is a primary stakeholder. * **Landowners in the specified areas:** Owners of the land detailed in the schedule (Pathapalli and Chellimilla villages in Wanaparthy District, Telangana) are directly affected as their land is subject to the Right of User acquisition. * **Residents of Pebbair Mandal, Wanaparthy District, Telangana:** While not land owners in the specific survey numbers listed, these residents may be impacted by the pipeline construction and operation. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the responsible government body. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is responsible for the actual laying of the pipeline and payment of compensation. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification doesn't specify detailed timelines or procedures, but it does mention that copies of previous notifications regarding intention to acquire were made available in November 2019. The vesting of the RoU in HPCL takes effect upon publication of the notification. The compensation process is governed by Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962 (although details of this section are not provided). * HPCL will need to assess compensation due to land owners, and implement the pipeline laying project. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impacts of this notification are: * **Expedited Pipeline Project:** The acquisition of the Right of User facilitates the laying of the LPG pipeline, potentially contributing to a more efficient and reliable supply of LPG. * **Compensation for Landowners:** Landowners will be entitled to compensation from HPCL for the use of their land. The value of this compensation will be determined as per Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962. * **Reduced Risk for Central Government:** By vesting the Right of User in HPCL and making them solely liable for compensation, the Central Government minimizes its financial and legal risk associated with the project. **9. Conclusion:** This notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas formally declares the acquisition of Right of User for land in Telangana for the laying of an LPG pipeline by HPCL. The notification vests the Right of User in HPCL, making them responsible for compensation and shielding the Central Government from legal claims. This notification is a crucial step in facilitating the pipeline project and potentially improving the LPG supply infrastructure. It is important to note that this analysis is limited to the provided text and further information may be needed for a complete understanding of the policy's broader context and implications.

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