Publication of notification in the Extraordinary Gazette of India under Section 3(1) of the PMP Act 1962 1962 relating to land schedule in respect of Paradip Numaligarh crude oil pipeline project of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) for acquisition of ROU in the State of Assam Circle Nowboicha Distt Lakhimpur

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for Paradip-Numaligarh Crude Oil Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline project. The core purpose, as stated in the notification, is to facilitate the transportation of crude oil from Paradip, Odisha, to Numaligarh, Assam, via Siliguri, West Bengal. The key finding is that the government intends to acquire RoU in specific land parcels in Assam for the laying of this pipeline, and outlines the process for landowners to object to the acquisition. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification published by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, regarding the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for the Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline project, based solely on the information provided in the policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** To acquire the Right of User (RoU) in land required for laying a crude oil pipeline from Paradip, Odisha, to Numaligarh, Assam, passing through Siliguri, West Bengal. This is explicitly stated as being in the "public interest." **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** The policy addresses the need for a pipeline to transport crude oil between Paradip and Numaligarh. The mention of "public interest" suggests the government views this pipeline as crucial for energy security, economic development, or some other public benefit. Without the RoU acquisition, the pipeline project would likely be impossible to execute due to land access constraints. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This policy establishes the intention of the Government of India to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in land described in the schedule for the laying of the Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline. It outlines the following key provisions: * **Declaration of Intent:** The government formally declares its intention to acquire RoU. * **Right to Object:** Individuals with interest in the land specified in the schedule are granted the right to object to the acquisition within 21 days of the gazette's publication. * **Designated Authority:** The notification specifies Shri Sazzad Alam, ACS, Joint Secretary to the Government of Assam, Industries Commerce Department, as the Competent Authority Assam to whom objections must be submitted. His contact information (Project Office address) is provided. * **Land Description:** A schedule is included specifying the district (Lakhimpur), circle (Nowboicha), mouza (Nowboicha), village (Garchiga), and dag numbers for specific land parcels where RoU is intended to be acquired. The area of these land parcels is also given in Square Hectare Are Meter. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience is individuals and entities who own land or have other vested interests in the land parcels described in the schedule. Key stakeholders include: * Landowners in the Lakhimpur district of Assam, specifically in Nowboicha Circle, Nowboicha Mouza, and Garchiga village. * Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). * The Government of Assam, particularly the Industries and Commerce Department. * The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the primary governing body. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) is the project proponent. The Assam Industries and Commerce Department, via Shri Sazzad Alam, ACS, is responsible for handling objections. * **Timelines/Procedures:** Landowners have 21 days from the date the gazette is made available to the public to submit written objections. The notification implies that after this period, the acquisition process will proceed based on the Act No. 50 of 1962. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The intended outcome is the smooth acquisition of RoU in the specified land parcels, allowing for the construction of the Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline. This is expected to facilitate the transportation of crude oil, potentially improving energy security and economic growth. The negative impact will be on landowners who may face displacement or restricted land use. The successful completion of this acquisition process will be critical to the realization of the Pipeline project. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification outlines the government's intention to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Paradip-Numaligarh crude oil pipeline project. This is a significant step towards enabling the pipeline's construction, with potential impacts on landowners in the specified areas. Affected parties should be aware of their right to object within the stipulated timeframe and follow the outlined procedure. This policy is critical for facilitating the crucial infrastructure project and ultimately improving crude oil transportation in India.

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