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

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Pipeline Project in West Bengal **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government notification regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for laying a natural gas pipeline in West Bengal. The notification, issued under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Act, 1962, declares the acquisition of RoU for the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL) Spur Pipeline project by GAIL India Limited. Key findings indicate the government's commitment to facilitating the project, granting GAIL India Limited the RoU, and specifying the land area affected in West Bengal. This is a new policy specific to acquiring land rights for this project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a notification issued by the Government of India, specifically concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for land required for the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL) Spur Pipeline project in West Bengal. The analysis is based solely on the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire the Right of User in specified land parcels to facilitate the laying of a natural gas pipeline by GAIL India Limited in West Bengal. This objective is driven by the need to transport natural gas through the JHBDPL Spur Pipeline project. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy specific to land acquisition for this pipeline. The policy addresses the need to acquire the Right of User for laying a natural gas pipeline. The rationale stems from the government's intention to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the JHBDPL Spur Pipeline project. The Act of 1962 provides the legal framework for acquiring such rights. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a new policy action for this land, the key provisions are: * **Declaration of Intention:** The Government of India, through a previous notification (S.O No: 5030 E dated 06122021), declared its intention to acquire the Right of User in the land specified in the schedule. * **Acquisition of Right of User:** The present notification declares that the Right of User in the land specified in the schedule is acquired for laying the pipeline. The Schedule indicates land in the Nadia district, Kalyani block, Kalyani municipality, Mouza Kalyani, with specific J.L. No. (58), Map Survey No. (RS 6401 R.S. 1) and area (12.00 Hectares, 30.43 Sq. mtrs). * **Vesting of Rights:** The Right of User in the land vests in GAIL India Limited, effective from the date of publication of the declaration, free from all encumbrances. * **Legal Basis:** The acquisition is made under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Act, 1962. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include: * **GAIL India Limited:** The company responsible for laying the pipeline, benefiting from the acquired Right of User. * **Landowners in Nadia District (Kalyani):** Whose land falls within the specified area in the schedule and is subject to the Right of User acquisition. * **The State Government of West Bengal:** Where the pipeline is being laid. * **Consumers of Natural Gas:** Who will benefit from the project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India: Responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the acquisition process. * GAIL India Limited: Responsible for laying the pipeline and exercising the Right of User. * Competent Authority: Submitted a report to the Government of India under Section 6 of the Act. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The Right of User vests in GAIL India Limited from the date of publication of the declaration. * The notification references the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Act, 1962, which outlines the procedures for acquisition and compensation. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy action are: * **Facilitation of Pipeline Construction:** The acquisition of the Right of User will enable GAIL India Limited to proceed with the laying of the natural gas pipeline without hindrances. * **Enhanced Natural Gas Infrastructure:** The JHBDPL Spur Pipeline project will contribute to the expansion of natural gas infrastructure in West Bengal. * **Improved Energy Access:** The pipeline will facilitate the transportation of natural gas, potentially improving access to energy for consumers and industries in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies the Government of India's commitment to facilitating the JHBDPL Spur Pipeline project by granting GAIL India Limited the Right of User in the specified land parcels in West Bengal. This action is a crucial step towards expanding natural gas infrastructure and improving energy access in the region. The policy is significant due to its direct impact on land use and energy infrastructure development. Further analysis of the Environmental Impact Assessments would be useful in assessing the overall impact.

Key Entities Referenced