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.

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Jagadishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Spur Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government notification regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Jagadishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra (JHBDPL) spur pipeline project in West Bengal. Based on the notification, the Government of India intends to acquire RoU for laying a natural gas pipeline by GAIL India Limited. The notification outlines the affected areas, process for objections, and legal basis for the acquisition. This report details these key aspects, focusing on the legal and procedural elements affecting landowners and other stakeholders. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the Government of India's notification S.O. 4645(E), dated September 27, 2022, pertaining to the acquisition of the Right of User in land for the JHBDPL spur pipeline project in West Bengal. This analysis is based solely on the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification concerns a new policy action. The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the JHBDPL spur pipeline in West Bengal by acquiring the necessary rights to use the land for pipeline construction. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy action, the notification suggests a need to establish or expand natural gas infrastructure in West Bengal. The underlying problem appears to be the lack of existing RoU over specific land parcels required for the JHBDPL spur pipeline project. This acquisition is deemed necessary in the public interest to improve natural gas transport. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a New Policy so we describe the provisions of the entire provided text. The notification's key provisions are as follows: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User in land for laying the JHBDPL spur pipeline. * **Legal Basis:** The acquisition is being carried out under subsection 1 of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962). * **Geographic Scope:** The notification applies to specific land parcels in West Bengal, detailed in the Schedule. These areas include: * Purba Medinipur district, Mahishadal block, Itamagra Mouza. * Purba Medinipur district, Mahishadal block, Bamunia Mouza. * Purba Medinipur district, Mahishadal block, Keshabpur Mouza, Jalpai Mouza. * Purba Medinipur district, Tamluk block, Shimulia Mouza. * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with an interest in the listed land parcels have 21 days from the date the notification copies are made available to the public to submit written objections to the Competent Authority, GAIL India Limited. * **Project Name:** The project is identified as JAGADISHPURHALDIABOKARODHAMRA SPUR PIPELINE PROJECT, 3B SECTION, WEST BENGAL. * **Affected Land:** The schedule lists specific survey numbers, hectare areas, and square meter areas of land affected in each Mouza. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified Mouzas, districts, and blocks in West Bengal, as their land is subject to the acquisition of RoU. * **Residents:** Residents of the affected areas who may experience disruption during pipeline construction. * **GAIL India Limited:** The implementing agency responsible for laying the pipeline and addressing any objections. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** GAIL India Limited is the key agency responsible for laying the pipeline and serving as the Competent Authority for receiving objections. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing authority for the notification. * **Timelines:** A 21-day period is provided for landowners to file objections after the notification is made available to the public. * **Procedure:** The process involves the government declaring its intention to acquire the RoU, followed by a period for objections, and then presumably the acquisition process itself under the 1962 Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome is the successful acquisition of the necessary RoU to enable the construction of the JHBDPL spur pipeline. This is expected to improve the infrastructure for transporting natural gas in West Bengal and contribute to energy security. Potential impacts on landowners include compensation for the RoU and potential disruption during construction. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 4645(E) signals the Government of India's intention to proceed with the JHBDPL spur pipeline project by acquiring the necessary Right of User in land. This action, based on the 1962 Act, provides a framework for acquiring land rights while also allowing for objections from affected parties. The success of this policy hinges on a fair and transparent acquisition process and effective communication with stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced