Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH29 in Assam **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 3470(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on August 25, 2021, regarding land acquisition for National Highway No. 29 (NH29) in the state of Assam. The core purpose of this notification is to authorize specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, for the specified stretch of NH29. The key finding is the detailed schedule outlining the specific land parcels targeted for acquisition across several villages and blocks in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council district of Assam. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview and analysis of Notification S.O. 3470(E) concerning land acquisition for the development, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 29 in Assam. The analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new policy* notification, not an amendment. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the provided text, is to authorize specific officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956 for the purpose of land acquisition. This land acquisition is directly related to the building, widening (specifically to four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of a specific section of NH29. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy notification related to a specific infrastructure project, the likely problem this addresses is the need to legally acquire land for the expansion and improvement of NH29. The notification allows the government to legally obtain the land by appointing competent authorities to oversee and execute the land acquisition process as defined in The National Highways Act, 1956. This process is necessary to facilitate smoother traffic flow and improve connectivity in the region, indicating a need for infrastructure development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy that authorizes specific officers under National Highways Act, 1956; therefore, the following provisions apply: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The notification authorizes specific officers mentioned in Column 2 of the Schedule to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Scope:** The authorization applies to land acquisition for the stretch of land from Km. 50.710 to 156.634 of NH29 in the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council district of Assam. * **Purpose:** The land is to be acquired for building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of NH29. * **Geographical Specification:** The policy clearly defines the land parcels for acquisition across different villages and blocks, as indicated in the schedule. * **Official Gazette Publication:** The notification comes into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. * **Land details:** The schedule specifies State(Assam), District(Karbi Anglong), names of villages and other details for land acquisition. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH29 (Km. 50.710 to 156.634) in Karbi Anglong district, Assam. * **Residents:** Communities residing in the villages and blocks listed in the schedule, whose lives and livelihoods may be impacted by the land acquisition. * **Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Department of Revenue, Diphu:** As the administrative body of the region, the council is directly involved in the land acquisition process. * **Contractors and Construction Companies:** Entities involved in the building, widening, maintenance, and operation of NH29. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for issuing the notification. The Joint Secretary Revenue, Assam is identified as a competent authority. JRTNHIDCLGMDPRVSPL is also mentioned, possibly representing a project or implementing agency, but the role is unclear from the provided text. * **Procedures:** While the notification itself does not detail the land acquisition procedures, it refers to the National Highways Act, 1956, which outlines the legal framework for land acquisition. It can be inferred that the designated competent authorities will follow the procedures established in the Act. * **Timelines:** No specific timelines are mentioned in the notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's stated provisions are: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** Streamlined land acquisition process due to the clear authorization of competent authorities. * **Infrastructure Development:** Facilitation of the building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, and operation of NH29. * **Improved Connectivity:** Enhanced transportation infrastructure leading to better connectivity within Assam and with neighboring regions. * **Economic Growth:** Potential for economic development in the region due to improved transportation infrastructure and connectivity. **9. Conclusion:** Notification S.O. 3470(E) marks a crucial step in the infrastructure development of Assam, specifically concerning National Highway No. 29. By authorizing competent authorities for land acquisition, the notification aims to facilitate the building, widening, maintenance, and operation of the highway. This initiative is significant for improving connectivity, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall transportation infrastructure in the region. The precise impact will depend on the efficient implementation of the land acquisition process and subsequent construction activities.

Key Entities Referenced