Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to National Highways Act, 1956 for NH-57 Land Acquisition in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 3761(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, dated September 15, 2021. The notification constitutes an amendment to a previous notification (S.O. 1592(E) dated May 16, 2017) regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of the Nayagarh to Khordha section of National Highway No. 57 in Odisha. The amendment adds an additional village, Tikatala in the Bolagad Taluk/Mandal of Khordha district, to the schedule of land being acquired. This report details the amendment's specifics, its likely rationale, affected stakeholders, and expected impact based solely on the provided notification text. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 3761(E), dated September 15, 2021, concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. 57 in Odisha. This analysis is based exclusively on the content of the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification constitutes an amendment to the principal notification S.O. 1592(E) dated May 16, 2017, which was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section ii, dated 17th May, 2017. * **Core Objective (inferred):** The core objective of the original policy and this amendment is to facilitate the "upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders from Km. 239.9 to 294.3 Nayagarh to Khordha section of National Highway No. 57" in the State of Odisha, which requires land acquisition. The amendment specifically adds to the land being acquired. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Rationale for Amendment (inferred):** The amendment likely arises from a need to acquire additional land for the highway upgradation project. Based on the inclusion of the new village 'Tikatala', it is highly probable that the original land acquisition plan did not adequately cover the land required in the Bolagad Taluk/Mandal of Khordha District to ensure the successful execution of the project from Km 239.9 to Km 294.3. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This notification *amends* the land acquisition schedule of the original notification. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The "SCHEDULE Land acquisition on National Highway No. 57 in the State of ODISHA" as published in S.O. 1592(E) dated May 16, 2017 is amended. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment adds the village "Tikatala" in the Bolagad Taluk/Mandal of Khordha District to the land acquisition schedule for NH-57. The specific details are: * Sl. No.: Additional * CALA: Subcollector * Stretch: 239.9KM to 294.3KM * State: ODISHA * District: KHORDHA * Taluk/Mandal: Bolagad * Name of the Village: Tikatala * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The addition of Tikatala to the land acquisition schedule means that land within this village is now subject to acquisition for the highway project. This potentially impacts landowners and residents within Tikatala. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * Landowners and residents of Tikatala village in the Bolagad Taluk/Mandal of Khordha District, Odisha. * The local administration in Khordha District, specifically the Subcollector. * Contractors and construction companies involved in the NH-57 upgradation project. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and related agencies responsible for the highway project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ultimately responsible. The Subcollector of Khordha District (LAOCivil) is directly involved in the land acquisition process. * **Procedures:** The notification implicitly triggers procedures related to land acquisition as per the National Highways Act, 1956. These procedures would include valuation of land, compensation, and potential resettlement of affected parties in Tikatala. No specific timelines are mentioned in this notification. * **(Amendment Specific):** The primary implementation aspect is the execution of land acquisition procedures in Tikatala, following established legal and administrative protocols. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Likely Intended Outcome of the Amendment:** The intended outcome of this amendment is to ensure that sufficient land is available for the successful completion of the NH-57 upgradation project between Km. 239.9 and Km. 294.3. This will likely involve the displacement of some residents of Tikatala. * **Potential Impact:** The amendment may lead to increased costs associated with land acquisition (compensation, resettlement). It may also lead to delays in the project if land acquisition encounters resistance from landowners in Tikatala. On the other hand it allows for the proper execution of the highway project. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 3761(E) represents an amendment to the land acquisition schedule for the NH-57 upgradation project in Odisha. By adding Tikatala village to the schedule, the amendment seeks to address a potential shortfall in the land initially designated for acquisition. This change will directly impact landowners and residents within Tikatala and necessitate the implementation of established land acquisition procedures. The successful and timely acquisition of land in Tikatala is crucial for the completion of the NH-57 upgradation project.

Key Entities Referenced