Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 91 Expansion in Uttar Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of land for the building, widening, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway 91 (NH91) in Uttar Pradesh. The core purpose is to facilitate infrastructure development by acquiring land parcels required for the NH91 expansion project. The key finding is that the notification initiates the land acquisition process, details affected areas, and outlines procedures for objections and inquiries. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for the NH91 expansion project in Uttar Pradesh. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new* policy notification pertaining to land acquisition. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the primary objective is to acquire land necessary for "building wideningfoursix laning etc.,, maintenance, management and operation" of National Highway 91 (NH91) between Km. 165.600 and Km. 186.000 in the Aligarh-Kanpur Section. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy notification for land acquisition, the underlying issue it addresses is the need to expand and improve the infrastructure of NH91. The notification indicates a requirement to acquire land to facilitate road widening and improvement, suggesting existing infrastructure is inadequate or requires upgrading to meet current or future traffic demands. The stated "public purpose" reinforces this rationale. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a new policy for a specific land acquisition, the following outlines its core provisions: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the specified purpose, exercising powers under Section 3A(1) of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Affected Area:** The land required is located along NH91 between Km. 165.600 and Km. 186.000 in the Aligarh-Kanpur Section, specifically in the Hathras district of Uttar Pradesh. * **Land Details:** The notification includes a schedule detailing the survey plot numbers, type of land (Private Agriculture), nature of land, and area (in both local units and hectares) of the land parcels to be acquired. Specific villages affected include Mahamaisalamatnagar, Pipal Gawan, and Sikandra Rao Ander Chungi. * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals interested in the land have 21 days from the notification's publication date (June 14, 2021) to object to the land acquisition. * **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Additional District Magistrate FR (Competent Authority), outlining the grounds for the objection. The Competent Authority will provide an opportunity for the objector to be heard, either in person or by a legal practitioner. * **Competent Authority Decision:** The Competent Authority will either allow or disallow the objections after considering the arguments and conducting any necessary inquiries. The decision of the Competent Authority is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other relevant details are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * Landowners in the specified villages (Mahamaisalamatnagar, Pipal Gawan, and Sikandra Rao Ander Chungi) along the NH91 stretch. * Residents and businesses in the Hathras district potentially impacted by the NH91 expansion. * The Additional District Magistrate FR (Competent Authority) responsible for handling objections. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The Additional District Magistrate FR serves as the Competent Authority for managing the objection process. * **Timelines:** A 21-day window is provided for landowners to submit objections from the date of notification publication (June 14, 2021). The notification does not specify a timeline for the actual land acquisition process after the objection period. * **Procedure:** The procedure involves notifying landowners, allowing for objections, hearing objections, making a final decision on objections, and making land plans available for inspection. The procedure is governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this land acquisition notification are likely to be: * Acquisition of the land parcels specified in the schedule. * Facilitation of the building, widening, maintenance, management and operation of NH91. * Improved connectivity and transportation efficiency along the Aligarh-Kanpur section of NH91. * Economic benefits associated with improved infrastructure. * Potential displacement and disruption for landowners affected by the acquisition. **9. Conclusion:** The notification initiates the process of land acquisition for the expansion and improvement of NH91 in Uttar Pradesh. It outlines the affected areas, provides a mechanism for objections, and establishes the Additional District Magistrate FR as the Competent Authority. This notification is a crucial step towards improving road infrastructure, but its successful implementation will require careful consideration of the rights and concerns of affected landowners and stakeholders.

Key Entities Referenced