Publication of Notification in the Extra Ordinary Gazette of India under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (ARUL) Act, 1962 for North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project of M/s. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Natural Gas Pipeline in Assam **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline in Assam. The notification concerns the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. The key finding is the government's intention to acquire RoU over specific land parcels in Biswanath and Lakhimpur districts, with a provision for affected parties to object within a specified timeframe. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, focusing on the acquisition of the Right of User for a natural gas pipeline project in Assam. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new* policy action related to the acquisition of land rights for a specific infrastructure project. * **Core Objective(s):** To facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by acquiring the Right of User in land required for laying the pipeline. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy action (related to the specific land acquisition), the notification suggests that there is a need to establish a natural gas pipeline network in the region, specifically the Guwahati Numaligarh section. The notification explicitly states that acquiring the RoU is necessary in the public interest for the transportation of natural gas. The establishment of the pipeline likely addresses energy needs or infrastructure development goals in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in the land described in the Schedule annexed to the notification. * The land falls under the districts of Biswanath and Lakhimpur in the state of Assam. * The purpose of the acquisition is for laying a natural gas pipeline by Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, specifically the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. * The notification grants interested parties a 21-day period to object in writing to the acquisition of the RoU. Objections should be addressed to the Competent Authority, Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam. * The Schedule lists specific villages, Dag numbers (land plot identifiers), and land areas (in Hectare, Are, and Square Meters) affected in the Biswanath and Lakhimpur districts. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification are: * Landowners in the specified villages of Mukoligaon, Kalangpur, Khatarbari (Biswanath district), and Naharani, Charai Dalani Gaon (Lakhimpur district). * Residents of these villages. * Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, the company responsible for laying the pipeline. * The Competent Authority within Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, responsible for handling objections. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing the notification). * Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (responsible for laying the pipeline and acting as the Competent Authority for objections). * **Timelines:** A 21-day period is provided for affected parties to submit objections, starting from the date the notification is made available to the general public. * **Procedures:** Affected parties must submit written objections to Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited within the 21-day timeframe. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this policy action are: * Secure the Right of User for the necessary land to facilitate the construction of the natural gas pipeline. * Enable the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. * Potentially contribute to improved energy infrastructure and supply in the region. * Addresses public interest as declared in the notification. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a step towards establishing a crucial piece of energy infrastructure in Assam. It outlines the government's intention to acquire RoU for the natural gas pipeline project, specifies the affected land parcels, and establishes a process for addressing objections from affected parties. The successful implementation of this notification will pave the way for the construction of the pipeline and its contribution to the region's energy infrastructure.

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