Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 148N in Gujarat **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the acquisition of land for the building, widening, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway 148N in the Dahod district of Gujarat. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire land within a specific stretch (Km 244.343 to Km 301.315). It outlines the process for affected parties to raise objections and provides details for inspecting relevant land plans. The core purpose is to facilitate infrastructure development by acquiring necessary land for highway improvements. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a notification published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for National Highway 148N in Gujarat. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a notification initiating a *new* land acquisition process under the existing National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the primary objective is to acquire land required for "building, widening two lane with paved shoulder four laning six laning eight laning etc.,, maintenance, management and operation" of National Highway 148N. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this is a *new* land acquisition notification, the likely problem the policy addresses is the *need for land* to facilitate improvements, maintenance, and efficient operation of the specified section of National Highway 148N. These improvements may include widening the highway to accommodate more traffic, improving safety through paved shoulders, or general maintenance to ensure the highway remains in good condition. The expansion is needed to support economic activity in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a *new* land acquisition notification, the key provisions are: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land within the specified stretch of NH 148N (Km 244.343 to Km 301.315) in the Dahod district of Gujarat. * **Objection Process:** Individuals interested in the land have 21 days from the notification's publication date (April 17, 2025) to object to the land use. * **Competent Authority:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the "Prant Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Jhalod," who acts as the Competent Authority. The objection must state the grounds for objection. * **Hearing and Enquiry:** The Competent Authority is required to provide objectors an opportunity to be heard (in person or through a legal practitioner) and to conduct further inquiry if deemed necessary. * **Final Order:** The Competent Authority's decision to allow or disallow objections is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other details of the land to be acquired are available for inspection at the Competent Authority's office. * **Schedule of Land:** A brief description of the land to be acquired, including survey/plot numbers, type of land, nature of land, area in local units and hectares, is provided in the schedule. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners whose property falls within the identified stretch of NH 148N (Km 244.343 to Km 301.315) in the Dahod district of Gujarat. * Residents of the Aamba Village that are directly impacted. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is responsible for issuing the notification. The "Prant Officer and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Jhalod" is the Competent Authority responsible for handling objections. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is referenced in the F. No. * **Timelines:** A 21-day window is provided for landowners to file objections from the date of publication (April 17, 2025). * **Procedures:** The process involves filing a written objection with the Competent Authority, who will then provide a hearing and make a final decision. Land plans are available for inspection. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this notification is the acquisition of land necessary for improving National Highway 148N. This is intended to improve transport infrastructure, reduce travel times, improve safety, and spur economic development in the Dahod district of Gujarat. Negative impacts include potential displacement of people, loss of agricultural land, and disruption to local communities. However, the process outlined in the notification is designed to minimize these impacts through consultation and due process. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification initiates the process of acquiring land for improvements to National Highway 148N in Gujarat. It establishes a clear process for affected parties to raise objections, ensuring a degree of transparency and due process. The successful implementation of this notification is crucial for facilitating infrastructure development and improving connectivity in the region, even if it comes at a cost to those impacted.

Key Entities Referenced