Date: 2022-09-23Category: 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 Srikakulam Angul Natural Gas Pipeline (SAPL) of GAIL (India) Limited.
## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Srikakulam to Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a government notification concerning the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Srikakulam to Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project, a natural gas transportation pipeline being developed by GAIL India Limited. The core purpose, as derived from the notification, is to formally declare the government's acquisition of RoU and its subsequent vesting in GAIL India Limited, free from encumbrances, for the pipeline's construction. The report identifies the specific land parcels affected, the key stakeholders, and the likely implications for landowners in the Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of a Government of India notification, specifically S.O. 4512(E), dated 19th September 2022, concerning the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Srikakulam to Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project. This analysis is based solely on the information presented within the provided text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This document represents the declaration of the Right of User acquisition following preliminary notifications (S.O. No.2136(E), dated 12.05.2022 and S.O. No.2251(E), dated 17.05.2022).
* **Core Objective:** To formally acquire and vest the Right of User in specific land parcels to GAIL India Limited for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline (SAPL Project), ensuring the project's progress.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This notification appears to be the culmination of a process initiated to facilitate the construction of the Srikakulam to Angul pipeline. The pipeline is crucial for the transportation of natural gas. The background notifications indicate an initial intention to acquire RoU, followed by consideration of public objections. This notification indicates the government is moving forward with the acquisition, suggesting a need to overcome land access barriers for the pipeline project.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This notification acts as the formal declaration of the acquisition. Key provisions include:
* **Declaration of RoU Acquisition:** The Government of India formally declares the acquisition of the Right of User in the land specified in the schedules attached to the notification.
* **Vesting of RoU in GAIL India Limited:** The RoU is vested in GAIL India Limited, effective from the date of publication, free from any encumbrances. This allows GAIL to proceed with pipeline construction on the specified land.
* **Land Schedule:** The notification includes a detailed schedule specifying the affected land parcels, including the District (Srikakulam), State (Andhra Pradesh), Name of Area (Meliyaputti), Name of Village (e.g., Gokarnapuram, Kodukoligam, etc.), Survey Numbers, and land area in Hector Are. and Sq.mtr.
* **Legal Basis:** The action is taken under subsection 1 of Section 6 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary stakeholders directly affected by this notification are:
* **Landowners in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh:** Specifically, those whose land falls within the specified survey numbers and villages listed in the Land Schedule. They are affected by the acquisition of RoU.
* **GAIL India Limited:** As the entity receiving the RoU, GAIL is directly enabled to proceed with the pipeline project.
* **Government of India (Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas):** As the issuing authority, responsible for facilitating energy infrastructure development.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency:** GAIL India Limited is responsible for implementing the pipeline construction. The Competent Authority under the Act has submitted its report to the Government of India, implying their continued involvement.
* **Procedures:** The notification follows a process outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, involving preliminary notification, consideration of objections, and a final declaration. The notification states that objections were considered and disposed of by the Competent Authority.
* **Timeline:** The vesting of RoU is effective immediately upon publication of the notification (September 23, 2022).
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcome of this notification is to:
* **Facilitate the construction of the Srikakulam to Angul natural gas pipeline (SAPL Project).** The acquisition of RoU ensures GAIL India Limited has the legal right to lay the pipeline across the specified land parcels.
* **Expedite energy infrastructure development.** By resolving land access issues, the project can proceed without further delays related to land acquisition.
* **Potentially lead to compensation and/or rehabilitation for affected landowners.** While the notification does not specify compensation, landowners are likely entitled to it under the relevant Act.
* **Increased natural gas transportation capacity and security:** Upon project completion, the pipeline will contribute to the region's energy infrastructure.
**9. Conclusion:**
The Government of India's notification S.O. 4512(E) represents a significant step in the Srikakulam to Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project. By formally acquiring and vesting the Right of User in GAIL India Limited, the notification aims to overcome land access challenges and enable the timely construction of this important energy infrastructure project. Landowners within the specified areas will be directly affected and are likely entitled to compensation as per the relevant legislation. This notification underscores the government's commitment to developing natural gas transportation networks and enhancing energy security.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: The Indian government ministry that issued the notification.
New Delhi: The city where the notification was issued.
19th September, 2022: The date the notification was issued.
Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962: The law under which the notification is issued.
Srikakulam to Angul pipeline: The pipeline project for which land rights are being acquired.
SAPL Project: Acronym for Srikakulam Angul Pipeline Project
Srikakulam District: The district where land acquisition is taking place.
Andhra Pradesh: The state where Srikakulam District is located.
GAIL India Limited: The company responsible for laying the pipeline.
Meliyaputti: Name of a Mandal.
Gokarnapuram: Name of a Village.
Kodukoligam: Name of a Village.
Karajada: Name of a Village.
Muktapuram: Name of a Village.
Champapuram: Name of a Village.
Marripadu K: Name of a Village.
Jharibadra: Name of a Village.
Murukuntibadra: Name of a Village.
RAKESH MISHRA: Under Secy.
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064: Place where it was printed.
Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054: Published by