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 Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) for land required for the Srikakulam Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project. The notification declares the acquisition of RoU in specific land parcels within the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh for laying a natural gas pipeline. It also directs that the RoU vests with GAIL India Limited, free from all encumbrances. The key finding is the formal acquisition of land rights necessary for the progression of the SAPL project, transferring these rights to GAIL for pipeline construction.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a government notification concerning the acquisition of land rights for the Srikakulam Angul Pipeline (SAPL) Project in the Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This appears to be the final stage of land acquisition, following earlier notifications and consideration of public objections.
* **Core Objective(s):** To acquire the Right of User (RoU) in specified lands for laying a pipeline for the transportation of natural gas through the Srikakulam to Angul pipeline (SAPL Project), and to vest this right with GAIL India Limited.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This notification finalizes the land acquisition process. The policy text indicates that an initial intention to acquire the RoU was previously declared (Notification No. 2135 dated 12.05.2022, S.O. No. 2250 dated 17.05.2022). Public objections were received and considered. The rationale is to enable the construction of a natural gas pipeline, facilitating the transportation of natural gas within the region as part of the SAPL project.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
*This is a new policy action rather than an amendment, so detailing the main rules and actions mandated is appropriate.*
The notification mandates the following:
* **Declaration of RoU Acquisition:** The Government of India formally declares the acquisition of the Right of User in the lands specified in the schedules attached to the notification.
* **Vesting of RoU:** The Right of User in the said lands is vested in GAIL India Limited, effective from the date of publication of the declaration.
* **Encumbrance-Free Transfer:** The RoU is transferred to GAIL India Limited free from all encumbrances.
* **Land Schedule:** The notification includes a detailed schedule listing the specific land parcels acquired. This schedule specifies the district (Srikakulam), state (Andhra Pradesh), name of area, name of village, survey number and the land area in Hector Are. Sq.mtr for each identified land parcel.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include:
* **GAIL India Limited:** The primary beneficiary, as they are granted the RoU for pipeline construction.
* **Landowners in Srikakulam District:** Their rights to use the specified land parcels are now subject to GAIL's right of user for the pipeline project.
* **Communities in Kotabommali Mandal:** Villages listed (Laghamdiddi, Elamanchili, Harichandrapuram, Chinna Venkatapuram, Chittivalasa) are all impacted by the pipeline construction.
* **Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:** Responsible for overseeing and implementing the policy.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (issuing authority).
* GAIL India Limited (implementing agency, responsible for pipeline construction).
* Competent Authority (responsible for considering and disposing of public objections and submitting a report to the Government of India).
* **Timelines/Procedures:**
* The RoU vests in GAIL India Limited from the date of publication of the notification.
* The notification implies a process involving an initial notification, public consultation, objection resolution, report submission by a Competent Authority, and final declaration.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The expected outcomes of this policy are:
* **Facilitation of SAPL Project:** Securing land rights is crucial for the timely construction of the Srikakulam Angul Pipeline.
* **Natural Gas Infrastructure Development:** This enables the transportation of natural gas to the Angul region, supporting industrial and economic development.
* **Potential Compensation/Resettlement:** Landowners affected by the acquisition will likely be entitled to compensation as per relevant regulations.
**9. Conclusion:**
The notification represents a significant step in the Srikakulam Angul Pipeline project by formally granting GAIL India Limited the Right of User over specified lands in the Srikakulam district. This policy is essential for developing natural gas infrastructure and enabling gas transportation, although it will also impact local landowners who will need to be appropriately compensated.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: Capital of India, place of publication.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: The ministry responsible for the notification.
Petroleum and Minerals Pipe Lines Acquisition of Right Of User in Land Act, 1962: Act under which the notification is issued.
Srikakulam to Angul pipeline SAPL Project: Project for laying pipeline for transportation of natural gas.
Srikakulam District: District where the land acquisition is taking place.
Andhra Pradesh: State where the land acquisition is taking place.
GAIL India Ltd: Company responsible for laying the pipeline.
Kotabommali: Mandal in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
Elamanchili: Mandal in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
Harichandrapuram: Mandal in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
Chinna Venkatapuram: Mandal in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
Chittivalasa: Mandal in Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh
RAKESH MISHRA: Under Secretary who signed the notification.
Mayapuri, New Delhi: Location of the Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press.