Date: 2022-12-16Category: Extra OrdinaryState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
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).
## Report on Land Acquisition for Natural Gas Pipeline Project in Assam
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a notification from the Government of India regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for the Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam. The notification, dated December 9, 2022, declares the government's intention to acquire RoU for the pipeline, outlining the affected districts, circles, mouzas, villages, and land plot numbers. It also informs landowners of their right to object to the acquisition within a specified timeframe. This policy aims to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the specified region, contributing to the development of natural gas infrastructure in the North East.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of the Government of India's notification concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in Assam. This analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a *new* policy initiative, not an amendment.
* **Core Objective:** The primary objective, as stated in the notification, is to facilitate the "transportation of natural gas through Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section of North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in the State of Assam" by acquiring the Right of User in the necessary land.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The notification states that the acquisition of RoU is "necessary in public interest." It can be inferred that the construction of this natural gas pipeline is considered crucial for energy infrastructure development and likely for ensuring gas supply to the region, thus promoting economic and industrial growth. Without the pipeline, achieving those goals would be impeded.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As a new policy, the 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 specified natural gas pipeline.
* **Project Specifics:** The pipeline project is identified as the "Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section of North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project" in Assam.
* **Implementing Agency:** Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is identified as the company responsible for laying the pipeline.
* **Land Acquisition:** The notification includes a "Schedule" detailing the specific land parcels affected by the acquisition. This includes the District (Sonitpur), State (Assam), Circle (Chariduar), Mouzas (Goroimari, Dikraijan, Kurukani, Singtoli), Name of Villages, Dag No, Square, Hectare, Are and Metre of the land.
* **Objection Mechanism:** The notification grants landowners a period of "twenty-one days" from the publication of the notification in the Gazette of India to object in writing to the acquisition of the RoU. Objections must be submitted to the "Competent Authority, Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam."
* **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.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience consists of:
* Landowners in the Sonitpur district of Assam whose land falls within the specified areas (villages of Goroimari, Dikraijan, Kurukani and Singtoli in Chariduar circle) listed in the Schedule.
* Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, as the company responsible for the pipeline construction and, potentially, for managing objections related to the land acquisition.
Other stakeholders include:
* The Government of India, specifically the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
* The general public in Assam and the North East region who may benefit from improved natural gas infrastructure.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline and likely for managing the land acquisition process, including addressing objections.
* **Timeline:** Landowners have 21 days from the publication of the notification to file objections. The text does not specify timelines for other stages of the land acquisition or pipeline construction process.
* **Procedures:** The notification outlines a clear procedure for landowners to object to the acquisition. Further procedures regarding compensation and dispute resolution are not detailed in this text.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcome is the acquisition of the Right of User in the land necessary for the construction of the Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. This will enable the transportation of natural gas to the region, potentially leading to:
* Improved energy infrastructure in Assam.
* Increased availability of natural gas for various industries and consumers.
* Economic development and industrial growth in the region.
**9. Conclusion:**
The notification analyzed outlines the Government of India's intent to acquire land rights for a crucial natural gas pipeline project in Assam. It establishes the legal basis for the acquisition, identifies the responsible parties, and provides a mechanism for landowners to voice objections. The successful implementation of this policy is expected to contribute significantly to the development of natural gas infrastructure and the overall economic growth of the North East region. The significance lies in facilitating a critical component of national energy infrastructure.
Key Entities Referenced
MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS: The ministry under which the notification is issued.
New Delhi: The city where the notification was issued.
Government of India: The governing authority issuing the notification.
Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section of North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project: The specific section of the natural gas pipeline project for which land acquisition is being undertaken.
State of Assam: The state in which the pipeline project is located.
Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited: The company responsible for laying the pipeline.
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962: The legal act under which the land acquisition is being carried out.
Sonitpur: District in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Chariduar: Area Circle in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Goroimari: Mouza in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Kalihamari: Village in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Dikraijan: Village in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Kurukani: Village in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Singtoli: Village in Assam where land acquisition is taking place
Rakesh Mishra: Under Secretary who signed the notification