Publication of notification in the Extraordinary Gazette of India under Section 6(1) of the PMP Act 1962 relating to land schedule in respect of Muzaffarpur Motihari LPG Pipeline to be laid by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) for acquisition of ROU in the State of Bihar Anchal Chakia(Pipra) Distt East Champaran

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for LPG Pipeline in Bihar **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding the acquisition of right of user in land for laying an LPG pipeline in East Champaran district, Bihar. This notification, published on July 20, 2022, declares the Central Government's acquisition of land user rights and directs that these rights vest in Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. The report details the policy's objective, the process followed, the land affected, and the implications for landowners and IOCL. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive analysis of a notification (S.O. 3236E) from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, published in the Gazette of India on July 20, 2022. This analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification and aims to inform affected industry stakeholders about the policy's implications. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy action* related to land acquisition for a specific infrastructure project. * **Core Objective(s):** To acquire the right of user in specific land parcels for the purpose of laying a pipeline for the transportation of LPG products, specifically for the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. **4. Background and Rationale:** This policy addresses the need to acquire land rights to facilitate the construction and operation of the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. The text suggests that acquiring these land rights is crucial for the transportation of LPG products. The notification follows due process, referencing prior intention notification and consideration of a report from the Competent Authority. **5. Key Provisions:** This policy establishes the following key provisions: * **Declaration of Acquisition:** 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 land vests in Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), free from all encumbrances, instead of vesting in the Central Government. * **Project Specificity:** The acquisition is specifically for the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. * **Geographic Scope:** The acquisition impacts land in Block Chakia Pipra, District East Champaran, State of Bihar. The specific land parcels are detailed in the Schedule, including survey numbers, village names (Madhuban, Bediban, Jamunia), and the area in hectares and square meters. * **Legal Basis:** The action is taken in exercise of powers conferred by subsection 1 of section 6 and subsection 4 of section 6 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include: * **Landowners:** Owners of the land specified in the Schedule, whose right of user is being acquired. * **Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL):** The entity in which the right of user is vested, responsible for laying and operating the pipeline. * **Residents of Block Chakia Pipra, District East Champaran, State of Bihar**: Residents are affected by the construction of the pipeline and will benefit from improved LPG delivery. * **Competent Authority Patna Bihar**: Responsible for submitting the report to the Central Government. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: Responsible for issuing the notification. * Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL): Responsible for implementing the pipeline project. * Competent Authority Patna Bihar: Responsible for submitting the report to the Central Government. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The notification is effective from the date of publication (July 20, 2022). * The process involves prior notification of intention to acquire land (S.O. No. 3663E dated the 31st August, 2021) and submission of a report by the Competent Authority. * The right of user vests in IOCL on the date of publication. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The expected outcomes and impact of this policy are: * **Facilitation of Pipeline Construction:** The acquisition of land rights will enable IOCL to construct and operate the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. * **Improved LPG Transportation:** The pipeline will improve the transportation of LPG products in the region. * **Economic Development:** The project may contribute to economic development in the region by improving access to LPG. * **Compensation to Landowners:** While not explicitly stated in *this* notification, landowners are likely entitled to compensation for the acquired right of user, as per the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 3236E represents a significant step in the implementation of the Augmentation of Muzaffarpur-Motihari Pipeline Project. By acquiring the necessary land rights and vesting them in IOCL, the government aims to facilitate the construction of the pipeline and improve the transportation of LPG in the region. This action is crucial for ensuring energy security and promoting economic development.

Key Entities Referenced