Publication of Notification in the Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act, 1962 for Dhamra Haldia Pipeline (DHPL) of GAIL (India) Limited.

## Report on Government Notification Regarding Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, on December 9, 2022, concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline (DHPL) project in West Bengal. The DHPL is described as an expansion of the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire RoU and provides a schedule detailing the land in question, while also outlining a process for affected individuals to raise objections. The key finding is the formal initiation of land acquisition for the pipeline expansion. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a detailed overview of the Government of India's notification S.O. 5986(E), dated December 9, 2022, pertaining to the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline project. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy action related to an existing framework. It is not an amendment, but a new notification under the existing Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective:** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline (DHPL) by acquiring the Right of User (RoU) in the necessary land. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for secure and efficient transportation of natural gas. The notification indicates that the Government of India considers the DHPL, as an expansion of the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, necessary in the public interest. Thus, the underlying problem is a need for increased natural gas transportation capacity and infrastructure in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new notification related to a specific project under an existing act, so this section details the provisions introduced by this notification text. * **Declaration of Intent:** The notification formally declares the Government of India's intention to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in land described in the attached schedule. * **Legal Basis:** The action is taken under the powers conferred by subsection 1 of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962). * **Objection Mechanism:** Any person with an interest in the land has 21 days from the date of publication to object in writing to the acquisition. Objections must be submitted to the Competent Authority, GAIL India Limited. * **Land Schedule:** A schedule is included specifying the land parcels affected, including location details (State, District, Block, Mouza), J.L. No., Map Survey No., and area (Hec., Sq.mt., Acre). The land specified in the schedule belongs to Paschim Medinipur district in West Bengal, specifically in the Mohanpur block and Digda mouza. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning land within the specified areas outlined in the schedule are directly affected. * **GAIL India Limited:** As the company responsible for laying the pipeline and designated as the "Competent Authority," GAIL is a key stakeholder. * **Residents of West Bengal:** Specifically, residents within the Paschim Medinipur district and surrounding areas are stakeholders due to the project's potential impact on the local environment and economy. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** GAIL India Limited is responsible for implementing the pipeline project and acts as the Competent Authority for handling objections. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing body for the notification. * **Timelines:** A 21-day period is provided for landowners to raise objections. * **Procedure:** Affected parties must submit written objections to GAIL India Limited within the stipulated timeframe. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is the smooth and legally sound acquisition of the necessary land rights for the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline project. This, in turn, is expected to facilitate the expansion of natural gas transportation infrastructure, potentially leading to increased availability of natural gas in the region and contributing to the overall energy security of the country. However, there may be concerns about potential displacement, environmental impacts, and fair compensation for landowners that must be addressed. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 5986(E) marks a crucial step in the development of the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline project. It initiates the process of land acquisition under the relevant legal framework, providing affected parties with an opportunity to raise objections. This notification is significant because it enables the pipeline project to progress, potentially boosting the natural gas infrastructure and supply in the region. Careful attention to the objection process and fair compensation for affected landowners will be critical to ensure the successful and equitable implementation of this project.

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