Publication of notification in the Extraordinary Gazette of India under Section 6(1) of the PMP Act 1962 (50 of 1962) relating to land schedule in respect of Jalandhar Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project (JGPL) of IOCL for acquisition of RoU in the State of Punjab

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Jalandhar-Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, published on April 25, 2025, concerning the acquisition of the right of user in land for laying a pipeline related to the Jalandhar-Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project. The notification declares the Central Government's decision to acquire the right of user in specified land within Punjab, and subsequently vest these rights with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). This action is taken under the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, to facilitate the transportation of LPG by IOCL. The key finding is that IOCL bears exclusive responsibility for compensation related to the pipeline project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding the acquisition of the right of user in land for the Jalandhar-Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project. The analysis is based solely on the text of the provided notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy action pertaining to land acquisition under existing legislation. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to enable the laying of a pipeline for the transportation of LPG from Suchi Pind Jalandhar to Chander Mahapurakh Goindwal Sahib. This is being done to facilitate the Jalandhar-Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL). **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for land rights to construct a pipeline. The "Whereas" clauses within the notification suggest a process has been followed: an initial intention to acquire land was declared, a report was submitted by the Competent Authority, and the Central Government, after considering the report, decided that the land is required. This indicates a need to secure necessary land rights to ensure uninterrupted transportation of LPG, likely driven by increasing energy demands or strategic infrastructure development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy action within the framework of the existing PMP Act 1962. The key provisions outlined in the notification are: * **Acquisition of Right of User:** The Central Government declares the acquisition of the right of user in the land specified in the schedule appended to the notification for laying the pipeline. * **Vesting of Rights:** The right of user in the specified land vests in Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), free from all encumbrances, instead of the Central Government. * **Liability for Compensation:** Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is exclusively liable for any compensation as per Section 10 of the PMP Act, 1962. The Central Government is absolved of any claims or legal proceedings related to the pipeline. * **Land Specification:** A schedule is included specifying the land details (Tehsil, District, State, Village, Killa numbers, Survey numbers, and area) where the right of user is being acquired. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):** As the entity tasked with constructing and operating the pipeline, and responsible for compensation. * **Landowners in Shahkot Tehsil, Jalandhar District, Punjab:** Specifically those whose land is listed in the schedule, as their rights of user are being acquired. * **Residents of Mehmudpur Village, Shahkot Tehsil, Jalandhar District:** As their land will be used for laying the pipeline. * **The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:** The governing body responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing authority. * Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is responsible for implementing the pipeline project and providing compensation. * A "Competent Authority" submitted a report, indicating an established process for land acquisition. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The notification references prior actions: notification of intent (dated 11th February 2025) and public availability of the gazette notification (dated 19.02.2025), suggesting a phased approach to land acquisition as per the PMP Act, 1962. * The vesting of rights in IOCL takes effect upon publication of the declaration (April 25, 2025). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is the smooth and timely laying of the LPG pipeline from Suchi Pind Jalandhar to Chander Mahapurakh Goindwal Sahib. This is expected to improve the transportation infrastructure for LPG, potentially leading to a more reliable and efficient supply chain. The vesting of rights directly in IOCL aims to expedite the project by streamlining the process and clarifying responsibilities. The shift of responsibility for compensation to IOCL aims to limit the government's liability and ensure landowners are compensated according to the PMP Act, 1962. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies a crucial step in the Jalandhar-Goindwal Sahib LPG Pipeline Project. It details the acquisition of land rights and designates IOCL as the responsible party for project execution and compensation. The action is significant for improving LPG transportation infrastructure and streamlining energy distribution in the region. This policy action demonstrates the government's commitment to infrastructure development in the petroleum and natural gas sector and should be closely monitored by the affected industry for compliance and potential impacts on supply chains.

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