Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Report on Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 166 Expansion in Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 1936(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of land in the Solapur district of Maharashtra for the purpose of widening National Highway (NH) No. 166. The core purpose, as stated in the notification, is to facilitate the building, widening (Two Laning to Four Laning with shoulders), maintenance, management, and operation of NH-166. Key findings indicate that the notification initiates the land acquisition process, provides a schedule of affected land parcels, and outlines a process for individuals to object to the acquisition. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification published in the Gazette of India, Extra Ordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection (ii), dated May 19, 2021, regarding the proposed land acquisition for the expansion of National Highway No. 166 in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided document. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification is issued under the authority of subsection 1 of section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire land for the "building widening of Two Laning to Four Laning with shoulders, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 166" to improve transportation infrastructure in the specified area. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **(New Policy Perspective):** The notification suggests a need for improved transportation infrastructure in the Sangli-Solapur section of NH-166. The existing highway likely requires widening and upgrades to meet current and future traffic demands, improve safety, and enhance connectivity. The widening to four lanes with shoulders indicates a specific focus on increasing capacity and improving road safety. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **(New Policy Perspective):** The notification establishes the following key provisions: * **Declaration of Intent to Acquire:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the specified purpose (widening NH-166). * **Land Description:** The schedule provides a brief description of the land to be acquired, including survey numbers, type of land (Private Dry), nature of land, and area in hectares for specific plots in North Solapur, Solapur village. Three plots are identified: 1621A, 1621B, and 1621C. * **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with an interest in the land are given the opportunity to object to the acquisition within 21 days of the notification's publication. * **Competent Authority:** The Sub-Divisional Officer, Solapur No. 1, Solapur, is designated as the Competent Authority to receive and address objections. * **Objection Procedure:** Objectors must submit their objections in writing, stating the grounds for the objection. The Competent Authority is required to provide an opportunity for a hearing. * **Finality of Order:** The order made by the Competent Authority regarding the objections is final. * **Availability of Land Plans:** Land plans and other 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 notification are: * Landowners in the specified area of Solapur district, Maharashtra, particularly those owning land parcels identified in the schedule (Survey Plot Numbers 1621A, 1621B, and 1621C). * Residents and businesses in the Sangli-Solapur section of NH-166. * The Sub-Divisional Officer, Solapur No. 1, Solapur (Competent Authority). **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority). * National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) - referenced in the file number, suggesting involvement in the project. * Sub-Divisional Officer, Solapur No. 1, Solapur (Competent Authority for handling objections). * **Timelines/Procedures:** * 21-day objection period from the date of publication of the notification. * The Competent Authority is responsible for providing a hearing to objectors. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **(New Policy Perspective):** The intended outcome of this land acquisition is to enable the widening and improvement of NH-166. This is expected to result in: * Increased highway capacity. * Improved traffic flow. * Enhanced road safety. * Better connectivity and reduced travel times along the Sangli-Solapur section. * Economic benefits associated with improved transportation infrastructure. **9. Conclusion:** The notification (S.O. 1936(E)) initiates the land acquisition process for the widening of National Highway No. 166 in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It outlines the land to be acquired, provides a mechanism for objections, and designates the responsible authorities. The successful implementation of this notification is crucial for improving transportation infrastructure and facilitating economic development in the region. Landowners and other affected parties should carefully review the notification and exercise their right to object if they have concerns about the acquisition.

Key Entities Referenced