Date: 2022-06-29Category: 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 government notification regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam. The core purpose, as inferred from the document, is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas by granting the right to lay pipelines across specified lands. Key findings include the identification of specific districts and villages affected, the process for landowners to object to the acquisition, and the responsible agency, Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, for implementing the project. This report informs potentially affected parties about the policy and its implications.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of a government notification pertaining to the acquisition of RoU in land for the construction of a natural gas pipeline in Assam. The analysis is based solely on the provided notification document, focusing on its objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential implications.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This policy appears to be a *new policy* related to land acquisition for a specific project.
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated within the document, is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam by acquiring the Right of User (RoU) in land for pipeline construction.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **New Policy Rationale:** The policy addresses the necessity of laying a natural gas pipeline to enhance the transportation infrastructure for natural gas in the region. The document states it is necessary "in public interest" suggesting a need to improve access to natural gas, energy security, or support industrial development. The implication is that the existing infrastructure is inadequate to meet current or future demands, necessitating the construction of this new pipeline.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
Since this is a New Policy, the following are the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the provided text:
* **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in the land described in the attached schedule. This signifies the official commencement of the land acquisition process.
* **Project and Location:** The RoU acquisition is specifically for the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in the State of Assam. This defines the project's scope and geographical area of impact.
* **Affected Lands:** A detailed schedule lists the specific districts (Lakhimpur), circles, mouzas, villages, dag numbers, square, hectare, are, and meter measurements of the land parcels affected. This provides landowners with precise information on whether their property is impacted.
* **Right to Object:** Persons interested in the listed lands have the right to object in writing to the acquisition of the RoU. This offers a channel for landowners to raise concerns or objections.
* **Objection Timeline:** The deadline for submitting objections is within twenty-one days from the date copies of the notification are made available to the general public. This sets a clear timeframe for landowners to respond.
* **Competent Authority:** Objections must be submitted to the Competent Authority, which is Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam. This identifies the responsible body for handling objections and further communication.
* **Legal Basis:** The policy is enacted under subsection 1 of section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. This anchors the policy within the existing legal framework.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders are:
* **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning land within the specified districts and villages listed in the schedule. They are directly affected by the RoU acquisition and have the right to object.
* **Residents:** Individuals residing in the affected villages may experience disruptions during the pipeline construction.
* **Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited:** The company responsible for laying the pipeline and the designated "Competent Authority" for handling objections.
* **Government of India (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas):** The issuing authority of the notification and ultimately responsible for the project's successful implementation.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline, acting as the Competent Authority, and presumably compensating landowners for the RoU.
* **Timelines:** Landowners have 21 days to object after the notification is made publicly available. The document does not specify the overall project timeline.
* **Procedures:** The notification establishes a procedure for landowners to object in writing to the RoU acquisition. Further procedures for land survey, valuation, compensation, and grievance redressal are not detailed in this document but would likely follow established legal frameworks and guidelines.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* **Likely Intended Outcomes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's stated provisions are:
* **Facilitation of Natural Gas Transportation:** The primary outcome is to enable the construction of the natural gas pipeline, thereby enhancing the transportation infrastructure for natural gas in the region.
* **Energy Security:** The project could contribute to improved energy security by providing a reliable supply of natural gas.
* **Economic Development:** Increased availability of natural gas could spur industrial development and economic growth in the region.
* **Potential Impact:** The policy will likely have the following impacts:
* **Land Use Restrictions:** Landowners will be subject to restrictions on the use of land acquired for RoU.
* **Compensation:** Landowners will be entitled to compensation for the RoU, as determined by applicable regulations.
* **Temporary Disruption:** Residents in affected areas may experience temporary disruptions during the construction phase.
**9. Conclusion:**
The government notification outlines the intention to acquire the Right of User in land for the Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam. It grants landowners the right to object within a specified timeframe, while assigning implementation responsibility to Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited. This policy is significant as it aims to improve natural gas transportation infrastructure, potentially leading to enhanced energy security and economic development in the region. Affected parties should carefully review the detailed schedule to determine if their land is impacted and adhere to the objection procedures if necessary.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: A government ministry responsible for petroleum and natural gas.
New Delhi: The location where the notification was issued.
Government of India: The governing authority issuing the notification.
Guwahati Numaligarh GNPL Section of North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project: A natural gas transportation project.
Assam: The State in India where 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 right of user is being acquired.
Lakhimpur: District in Assam, India.
Narayanpur: A circle in Lakhimpur district, Assam
Bihapuria: A circle in Lakhimpur district, Assam
Naobaicha: A circle in Lakhimpur district, Assam
North Telahi: A circle in Lakhimpur district, Assam
Dhalpur: A mouza name in Narayanpur circle of Lakhimpur District, Assam
Na:Kherajkhat: A mouza name in Narayanpur circle of Lakhimpur District, Assam
Laluk: A mouza name in Bihapuria circle of Lakhimpur District, Assam
Amtola: A mouza name in North Telahi circle of Lakhimpur District, Assam
RAKESH MISHRA: Under Secretary who signed the document.