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 Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline. This pipeline is an expansion of the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL), specifically the Dhamra-Haldia section, and will be implemented by GAIL India Limited in the State of Odisha. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire the RoU and provides a schedule of affected land in the Balasore district, Remuna tehsil, Hatiaganda village. The key finding is that landowners have a limited window to object to the acquisition. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview and analysis of the notification, focusing on its key provisions, implications for stakeholders, and inferred implementation aspects. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land. * **Core Objective(s):** * To facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Dhamra-Haldia Pipeline (DHPL) as an expansion of the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL). * To acquire the Right of User (RoU) in land necessary for laying the pipeline. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for infrastructure development to facilitate the transportation of natural gas. The text explicitly states that the acquisition is "necessary in public interest" for the laying of a natural gas pipeline by GAIL India Limited. This suggests a broader government strategy to enhance natural gas accessibility and distribution, likely driven by energy security and economic development goals. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy establishing the following: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User in land for the Dhamra-Haldia pipeline project. * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued 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 policy applies to land identified in the schedule annexed to the notification, specifically within the State of Odisha, Balasore District, Remuna Tehsil, Hatiaganda Village. The schedule provides survey numbers and area details (hectares and square meters) of the land to be acquired. * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with an interest in the land have the right to object in writing to the acquisition. * **Objection Deadline:** Objections must be submitted within twenty-one days from the date the notification copies are made available to the general public. * **Authority for Objections:** Objections must be submitted to the Competent Authority Odisha, GAIL India Limited, 612 Utkal Signature, Pahal, NH16, Bhubaneswar 751032. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning land within the specified areas (Hatiaganda village, Balasore district) whose land is subject to the Right of User acquisition. * **Residents:** Individuals residing in or near the affected areas. * **GAIL India Limited:** The company responsible for laying the pipeline. * **Government of Odisha:** The state government, specifically the "Competent Authority Odisha." **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * **Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:** Responsible for issuing the notification. * **GAIL India Limited:** Responsible for laying the pipeline and coordinating with the Competent Authority. * **Competent Authority Odisha:** Responsible for receiving and processing objections. * **Timelines and Procedures:** * A 21-day window is provided for landowners to submit objections. * The notification must be published in the Gazette of India and made available to the general public. * After the objection period, the government will likely proceed with the acquisition process based on the Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Facilitation of Pipeline Construction:** The primary goal is to enable the laying of the Dhamra-Haldia natural gas pipeline, facilitating the transportation of natural gas. * **Energy Infrastructure Development:** This contributes to the overall development of energy infrastructure in the region. * **Potential Economic Benefits:** Improved access to natural gas can lead to economic development and industrial growth in the region. * **Potential Land Use Changes:** Landowners will be affected by the RoU acquisition, potentially impacting their existing land use. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies a crucial step in the development of natural gas infrastructure in Odisha. The acquisition of the Right of User for the Dhamra-Haldia pipeline is intended to enhance energy accessibility and support economic growth. Landowners and other stakeholders should be aware of their rights to object and adhere to the specified timelines. The successful implementation of this project depends on the efficient and transparent execution of the RoU acquisition process.

Key Entities Referenced