Publication of Notification in the Extraordinary Gazette of India under section 6(1) of Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962 (50 of 1962), for acquisition of Right of User in land for laying underground pipeline FLOW LINE FROM MW 08 to SOBHASAN CTF in State of Gujarat

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Pipeline Construction in Gujarat **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) in land for the purpose of laying a pipeline from Drill Site MW08 to SOBHASAN CTF in Mevad Village, Mehsana District, Gujarat. The notification declares the Central Government's decision to acquire the ROU and vests this right in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC), making them solely responsible for compensation under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (PMP Act). This report details the policy's provisions, target stakeholders, inferred implementation aspects, and expected outcomes. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the notification published in the Gazette of India, Extra Ordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii, No. 1791, dated April 22, 2025. The analysis focuses on understanding the implications of the government's decision to acquire the ROU for the pipeline project and the vesting of this right in ONGC. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy action relating to the acquisition of land usage rights, based on the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the construction of a pipeline from Drill Site MW08 to SOBHASAN CTF by acquiring the necessary ROU in land. This ensures the smooth and efficient transportation of petroleum and natural gas resources. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need to acquire land rights for the construction of essential infrastructure, specifically a pipeline for transporting resources. The policy text indicates that the land specified is required for laying the pipeline between Drill Site MW08 and SOBHASAN CTF. Without acquiring the ROU, the pipeline project would be significantly delayed or impossible to execute. The notification indicates that the government has followed due process as per the PMP Act, including public notification and consideration of reports from the Competent Authority. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy action, and therefore this section will detail the main components. * **Acquisition of Right of User:** The Central Government declares the acquisition of the ROU in the land specified in the schedule attached to the notification. This includes specified land parcels in Mevad Village, Mehsana District, Gujarat, identified by survey numbers and area details. * **Vesting of Right of User:** The ROU is vested in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC), free from all encumbrances. This grants ONGC the authority to proceed with the pipeline construction. * **Liability for Compensation:** ONGC is exclusively liable for any compensation payable under Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962. The Central Government is absolved of any liability or legal proceedings related to the pipeline. * **Schedule of Affected Land:** The notification includes a detailed schedule specifying the survey numbers, block numbers, and areas (in square meters) of the land parcels in Mevad village where the ROU has been acquired. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC):** As the entity responsible for constructing and operating the pipeline, and liable for compensation. * **Landowners in Mevad Village, Mehsana District, Gujarat:** Whose land is subject to the ROU acquisition. * **Residents of Mevad Village, Mehsana District, Gujarat:** who may be affected by the pipeline construction. * **The Petroleum and Natural Gas industry:** As this policy enables infrastructure development for resource transportation. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: Responsible for issuing the notification and exercising powers under the PMP Act. * Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC): Responsible for pipeline construction, operation, and compensation to affected landowners. * Competent Authority: Plays a role in submitting reports to the Central Government, likely assessing the land requirements and potential impacts. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification refers to previous notifications and dates, implying a process involving public notification, report submission, and final declaration. The date of publication of the declaration is when the ROU vests in ONGC. * **Compensation:** ONGC will be responsible for paying compensation as per Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this policy action are: * **Facilitation of Pipeline Construction:** The acquisition of the ROU will enable ONGC to proceed with the construction of the pipeline, connecting Drill Site MW08 to SOBHASAN CTF. * **Efficient Resource Transportation:** The pipeline will facilitate the efficient and reliable transportation of petroleum and natural gas resources. * **Economic Development:** The pipeline project may contribute to economic development in the region by supporting the oil and gas industry. * **Legal Clarity:** The notification clarifies the ROU ownership and liabilities for compensation, reducing potential legal disputes. **9. Conclusion:** The notification represents a key step in facilitating the construction of a vital pipeline for transporting petroleum and natural gas resources. By acquiring the ROU and vesting it in ONGC, the government aims to ensure the timely and efficient completion of the project. The policy clarifies the responsibilities of ONGC and provides a framework for compensating affected landowners. The successful implementation of this policy will contribute to the development of the region's energy infrastructure and support the growth of the oil and gas industry.

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