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 - Guwahati Numaligarh Dimapur Section **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a Government of India notification concerning the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati-Numaligarh-Dimapur section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. The core purpose, as inferred from the notification, is to facilitate the construction of a natural gas pipeline by Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited in the state of Assam. Key findings include the government's intention to acquire RoU, the provision for affected parties to object to the acquisition, and specific details regarding the land parcel in Jorhat district, Assam, affected by this action. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of Right of User in land for a natural gas pipeline project. The analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification, focusing on its provisions, implications, and expected outcomes. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy action related to the laying of a pipeline. The core objective, as stated in the text, is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati-Numaligarh-Dimapur section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire the Right of User in land for this purpose. **4. Background and Rationale:** As inferred from the text, the policy addresses the need for infrastructure development to facilitate the transportation of natural gas in the North-Eastern region of India. The construction of the Guwahati-Numaligarh-Dimapur pipeline section is deemed necessary in the public interest, likely to improve access to natural gas, support industrial development, and enhance energy security in the region. The acquisition of RoU is a prerequisite for the construction and operation of the pipeline. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy action, therefore this section details the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the entire provided text. * **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User in land for laying the natural gas pipeline. This declaration is made under subsection 1 of section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Right to Object:** Any person with an interest in the land described in the schedule has the right to object in writing to the acquisition of the RoU. The objection must be submitted to the Competent Authority, Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam, within twenty-one days from the date the notification is made available to the public. * **Schedule of Affected Land:** The notification includes a schedule detailing the specific land parcel affected by the acquisition. The schedule includes the district (Jorhat), state (Assam), circle (West Bali Gaon), mouza (Malowkhat), village name (Malowkhat), dag number (2550), and area (00 hectare, 05 are, 89 metre square). * **Executing Agency:** Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is identified as the agency responsible for laying the pipeline and is designated as the Competent Authority for receiving objections. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Landowners in the specified area of Jorhat district, Assam, particularly those owning land within the identified Dag number (2550) in Malowkhat village. * Residents of the affected area whose livelihoods or property may be impacted by the pipeline construction. * Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, the company responsible for implementing the pipeline project. * The Government of Assam. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Ms. Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is responsible for receiving and addressing objections related to the land acquisition. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas oversees the overall process. * **Timeline:** Affected parties have twenty-one days from the date of public notification to submit their objections. * **Procedure:** The procedure involves the publication of the notification, the opportunity for affected parties to submit objections, and the review and resolution of these objections by the Competent Authority. Subsequent steps would likely involve the formal acquisition of the RoU and the commencement of pipeline construction. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy action, as inferred from the text, are: * Facilitating the timely construction of the Guwahati-Numaligarh-Dimapur section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. * Ensuring the availability of natural gas for consumers and industries in the region. * Promoting economic development and improving energy security in the North-Eastern states. * Potential compensation or benefits to landowners affected by the RoU acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report represents a key step in the development of natural gas infrastructure in the North-Eastern region of India. By declaring the intention to acquire Right of User in land for the Guwahati-Numaligarh-Dimapur pipeline section, the government aims to facilitate the transportation of natural gas and promote economic growth in the region. Affected parties are provided an opportunity to voice their concerns, and the implementation of the project will likely have significant implications for landowners and the overall energy landscape of Assam.

Key Entities Referenced