Publication of Notification in the Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act, 1962 for Dahej (Gujarat) Nagothane (Maharashtra) Liquid Ethane Pipeline (DNEPL) of M/s. Reliance Ethane Pipeline Limited in the State of Maharashtra.

## Report on Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962 - Amendment Analysis **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification pertaining to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. This notification serves as an amendment, specifically concerning the acquisition of Right of User (ROU) for a liquid ethane pipeline project by Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited. The key finding is the transfer of the ROU for the specified land in Maharashtra directly to Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited, free from encumbrances, rather than vesting it initially with the Government of India. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of a government notification related to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, based solely on the provided text. This report will focus on analyzing this document as an amendment to existing regulations, examining the specific changes it introduces. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification pertains to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962 (referred to as "the said Act"). * **Core Objective(s):** The inferred core objective is to facilitate the establishment and operation of petroleum and mineral pipelines by streamlining the land acquisition process for Right of User (ROU). The specific objective addressed by this amendment is to expedite the vesting of ROU in the pipeline operator. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification appears to be an amendment related to expediting a previously declared intention to acquire Right of User (ROU) for land needed for laying a liquid ethane pipeline. The amendment likely addresses potential delays or inefficiencies associated with the standard procedure of vesting the ROU in the government before transferring it to the user. The rationale is likely to accelerate project implementation by directly transferring the ROU to Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited, eliminating an intermediate step. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification serves as an amendment to the standard procedure of ROU acquisition under the Act. * **Specific Part of the Original Policy Changed:** The amendment alters the process described in Section 6 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962, specifically subsection 4. * **New Rule/Provision:** Instead of the Right of User vesting in the Government of India upon publication of the declaration, the right vests directly in Ms Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited. The ROU is transferred "free from all encumbrances." * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The primary effect is to streamline the process of granting ROU to Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited. Previously, the ROU would initially vest with the government before being transferred. This amendment eliminates that step, potentially saving time and administrative overhead. The transfer "free from all encumbrances" ensures the pipeline company receives the land rights without any existing claims or liabilities attached. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited is directly affected as they are the recipient of the ROU. Reliance Industries Limited is also affected as the owner of the pipeline project. Landowners in the specified area (Wadwali village, Karjat Tehsil/Taluk, Raigad District, Maharashtra) are indirectly affected as the ROU over their land is being acquired. * **Other Stakeholders:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, is responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the implementation. The Competent Authority (mentioned in the "Whereas" clauses) likely plays a role in assessing the land requirements and submitting reports to the government. Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification states that copies were made available to the public on or before 09/12/2021. The right of user vests in Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited on the date of publication of the declaration. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to accelerate the implementation of the Dahej-Nagothane ethane pipeline project. By directly vesting the ROU in Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited, the project can potentially proceed more quickly, reducing delays associated with the standard land acquisition process. This may result in reduced project costs and faster delivery of ethane. **9. Conclusion:** This notification represents a specific amendment to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962. It streamlines the process for granting Right of User to Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited for their Dahej-Nagothane ethane pipeline project. The amendment, by directly vesting the ROU in the pipeline operator, aims to expedite project implementation and reduce potential delays. This is significant for Reliance Industries Limited, Reliance Ethane Pipelines Limited and the region, potentially contributing to faster infrastructure development.

Key Entities Referenced