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 Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar-Panisagar Natural Gas Pipeline **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) in land for the Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar-Panisagar section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire RoU for laying a natural gas pipeline by Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, citing public interest. Affected parties have 21 days to object to the acquisition. This report provides a detailed overview of the notification, its potential impact, and relevant implementation aspects based solely on the provided text. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for a section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. The analysis is based exclusively on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy action, rather than an amendment, focusing on a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar-Panisagar section of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project by acquiring the Right of User in land required for pipeline construction. The stated objective is the "public interest." **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy action, the notification suggests that the government has determined that a natural gas pipeline is needed in the specified region. The stated rationale is "public interest", suggesting the pipeline aims to provide benefits such as access to natural gas for consumers and industries, potentially supporting economic development in the North East region of India. The acquisition of RoU is deemed necessary to enable the project's implementation. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy action, and the key provisions are: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User in the land described in the attached schedule. * **Project Implementer:** Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline. * **Land Acquisition:** The RoU acquisition is authorized under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals interested in the land have 21 days from the date of notification publication to object in writing to the RoU acquisition. The objection must be submitted to the Competent Authority, Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam. * **Geographic Scope:** The schedule specifies a particular area within Kamrup Metro District, Assam (Thakurkuchi village, Chandrapur circle and tahsil, survey number 340, Hectare 00, Are 07, Sq.mtr. 71). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * Landowners in the specified area within Kamrup Metro District, Assam, where the pipeline is proposed to be laid. * Residents of the specified area. * Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, the company responsible for implementing the pipeline project. * Competent Authority, Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam, responsible for handling objections to the RoU acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, is the issuing authority. Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline and acts as the Competent Authority. * **Timeline:** Affected parties have 21 days from the date the notification is made available to the public to file objections. * **Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to Ms Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited, State of Assam. The subsequent process for reviewing and addressing objections is not detailed in the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is the successful acquisition of RoU for the specified land, enabling the construction of the Guwahati-Shillong-Silchar-Panisagar natural gas pipeline. This will contribute to the completion of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project and the realization of its associated benefits, such as improved access to natural gas in the region. Potential negative impacts could include temporary disruption during construction and potential impact on land use for affected landowners, although the acquisition is only for the Right of User, not full ownership. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a key step in the development of the North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid Project. It outlines the government's intention to acquire Right of User for a specific section of the pipeline and establishes a mechanism for affected parties to voice objections. Successful implementation will depend on addressing landowner concerns and effectively coordinating the pipeline construction. This project is considered significant because it contributes to the expansion of natural gas infrastructure in the North East region, potentially unlocking various economic and social benefits.

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