Date: 2022-01-18Category: 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).
## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Natural Gas Pipeline in Assam
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a Government of India notification regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for laying a natural gas pipeline in the state of Assam. The policy, as evidenced by the provided text, facilitates the Dergaon-Dimapur Spurline section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by granting Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) the right to use specified lands free from encumbrances. The key finding is the identification of specific land parcels, villages, and administrative divisions affected by this acquisition, enabling IGGL to proceed with the pipeline project. This is a *new* policy as the provided text details the initial acquisition of the RoU, not changes to an existing policy.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of a recent Government of India policy concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for land required for the Dergaon-Dimapur Spurline section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to facilitate the construction of the Dergaon-Dimapur Spurline section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by acquiring the necessary land rights for laying the pipeline. The text specifies the acquisition of RoU and vesting of these rights with IGGL.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The policy addresses the need for land acquisition to support critical energy infrastructure development. The establishment of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project necessitates securing rights to land for pipeline construction. This policy likely addresses potential delays and obstructions in project implementation by streamlining the RoU acquisition process and granting these rights to IGGL. This is essential for the transportation of natural gas, thereby contributing to the region's energy security and economic growth.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As this is a new policy (the initial acquisition), the main components are:
* **Declaration of Intention:** The policy references an earlier notification (S.O.No.4413E dated 05.12.2019) declaring the government's intention to acquire the RoU.
* **Acquisition of Right of User:** The Government of India declares the acquisition of the RoU in the land specified in the Schedule attached to the notification.
* **Vesting of Rights:** The acquired RoU is vested in Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL), effective from the date of publication, free from all encumbrances. This means IGGL has the right to use the land for laying the pipeline without any existing legal claims or restrictions.
* **Land Specification:** The Schedule details the specific land parcels, including district (Golaghat), state (Assam), area circle (Enai Ghariya, Dergaon, Kakdonga, Ghiladhari), mouza, village names, dag numbers, and corresponding area measurements (Square Hectare Are Metre) for each plot of land where the RoU is acquired.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include:
* **Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL):** The primary beneficiary, granted the RoU for pipeline construction.
* **Landowners in Golaghat District, Assam:** Individuals and entities owning land parcels identified in the Schedule, whose rights of use are now subject to the RoU granted to IGGL.
* **Residents of Villages Specified:** Communities residing in the listed villages (e.g., Kakdonga, Namkhatoyal Gaon, Barichowa Gaon, Naobaicha Gaon, Makrang Bagan) who may experience disruptions during pipeline construction.
* **Relevant Government Agencies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Competent Authority mentioned in the text are responsible for overseeing and implementing the policy.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is responsible for policy issuance. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) is responsible for implementing the pipeline project. A "Competent Authority" is mentioned, suggesting a designated official or body responsible for addressing objections and submitting reports to the government.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The policy text does not specify detailed timelines or procedures. However, it mentions consideration and disposal of public objections and the submission of a report by the Competent Authority before the RoU is acquired, implying a process involving public consultation and assessment.
* **Further Action:** IGGL needs to coordinate with landowners and local authorities to ensure smooth execution of the pipeline project within the RoU.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's stated provisions include:
* **Accelerated Pipeline Construction:** Granting RoU to IGGL aims to expedite the construction of the Dergaon-Dimapur Spurline section.
* **Increased Natural Gas Transportation Capacity:** The pipeline will enhance the capacity to transport natural gas across the region.
* **Economic Development:** The pipeline project is expected to contribute to economic development in Assam by improving energy infrastructure and potentially attracting new industries.
* **Potential for Compensation/Resettlement (Inferred):** While not explicitly stated, RoU acquisition often involves compensation to landowners and potential resettlement assistance where necessary. This is an important aspect that requires further investigation beyond the provided text.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Government of India's notification regarding the acquisition of Right of User for the Dergaon-Dimapur Spurline section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project in Assam represents a crucial step towards enhancing energy infrastructure in the region. By granting RoU to IGGL, the policy aims to facilitate pipeline construction, increase natural gas transportation capacity, and contribute to economic development. Understanding the specific land parcels affected and the implications for landowners is critical for the successful implementation of this policy. Further information regarding compensation, resettlement (if any), and community engagement will be important to analyze the policy's full impact.
Key Entities Referenced
D. L.3300499: Registration number mentioned in the document.
GIDH: An identifier code found at the beginning of the document.
CGDLE19012022232760: Document number.
NEW DELHI: Location of publication.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022: Date of publication.
PAUSHA 28, 1943: Date in the Indian national calendar.
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA: Official government publication.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: The Indian government ministry issuing the notification.
NOTIFICATION: Type of document.
New Delhi: Place of Notification.
17th January 2021: Date of the notification.
S.O. No. 270E: Notification number.
Government of India: The governing authority.
S.O.No.4413E: Earlier notification number referred to in the current notification.
05.12.2019: Date of the earlier notification.
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962: The legal act under which the notification is issued.
1962: Year of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act.
Extra Ordinary Gazette of India: The gazette in which the initial notification was published.
10.12.2019: Date of publication of the initial notification in the Gazette of India.
Natural Gas: The resource being transported by the pipeline.
Dergaon Dimapur Spurline section of North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project: The specific pipeline project for which land acquisition is being done.
Assam: State in India where the pipeline is being laid.
Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited: The company responsible for laying the pipeline, abbreviated as IGGL.
IGGL: Abbreviation of Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited
Golaghat: District in Assam where the land acquisition is taking place.
Enai Ghariya Dergaon Kakdonga: Area Circle
Namkhatoyal Gaon: Name of Village
Dergaon Kakdonga: Area Circle
Chabuk Dhara: Area Circle
Opar Khatoyal Dhariya Dergaon Kakdonga: Area Circle
Gaon: Name of Village
Ghiladhari: Name of Village
Sakiyal Gaon: Area Circle
Barichowa Gaon: Area Circle
Naobaicha Gaon: Area Circle
Makrang Bagan: Area Circle
F.No. L140142292021GPII: File number of the notification.
E41111: Additional file identifier.
RAKESH MISHRA: Name of the Under Secretary.
Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064: The printing and publishing location.
Controller of Publications, Delhi110054: Publisher of the document.