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, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for laying a natural gas pipeline in the state of Assam. The notification concerns the Silchar-Panisagar Mainline Section of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project, to be undertaken by Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. The report outlines the policy's objective, key provisions, affected parties, and likely implementation aspects based solely on the provided text of the notification. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of RoU for a natural gas pipeline project in Assam. The analysis is based exclusively on the provided text of the notification, focusing on its key provisions, implications, and potential impact. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a *new policy action* specifically related to land acquisition for this pipeline project, not an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire the Right of User in land required for laying the Silchar-Panisagar Mainline Section of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam. The policy enables the transportation of natural gas through this pipeline. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Problem/Issue Addressed:** The notification addresses the need to acquire land rights for the construction of the specified natural gas pipeline. It suggests that the existing land ownership patterns or usage rights present an obstacle to the project's implementation, necessitating government intervention to facilitate the project's progress in the public interest. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This notification declares the Government of India's intention to acquire the Right of User in specific land parcels detailed in the Schedule attached to the notification. * The legal basis for this action is Subsection 1 of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962). * The notification establishes a process for landowners to object to the RoU acquisition, granting them 21 days from the date the notification is publicly available to submit written objections to the Competent Authority, Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam. * The schedule lists the specific districts (Sribhumi), circle, mauza, village, dag numbers, and land area (in Hec. Arc Sq.Mtr.) affected by the proposed pipeline. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners in the listed villages (Naharpur, Saidpur, Rautgram Pt 2, Chengjurirpar, Fatehpur Pt 1, Baraituk, Nalibari, Chengjur Elam, Jamirala, Bolaigaon) within the Sribhumi District of Assam, whose land falls within the identified Dag Numbers in the schedule. * Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, the company responsible for laying the pipeline and designated as the Competent Authority for receiving objections. * The general public in the affected area, who will benefit from the transportation of natural gas. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India (issuing the notification). * Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (responsible for laying the pipeline and designated as the Competent Authority). * **Timelines and Procedures:** * Landowners have 21 days from the date of public availability of the notification to file written objections to the RoU acquisition. The notification specifies that objections are to be submitted to Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. * The notification refers to the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962), implying that the acquisition process will follow the guidelines and procedures outlined in that Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is to facilitate the laying of the Silchar-Panisagar Mainline Section of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by acquiring the necessary RoU in the specified land. * This should enable the efficient transportation of natural gas through the pipeline, contributing to the overall energy infrastructure development in the region. * Affected landowners may experience temporary or permanent limitations on their land use, but the Act provides for compensation for the RoU acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report marks a crucial step in the implementation of the Silchar-Panisagar Mainline Section of the NorthEast Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. By initiating the process of acquiring the Right of User in the necessary land, the government aims to facilitate the construction of this important energy infrastructure project. The notification also ensures due process by providing landowners with an opportunity to raise objections within a specified timeframe. Understanding this policy is crucial for landowners, Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, and other stakeholders involved in the project.

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