Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for NH143H Highway Project in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the National Highway No. NH143H (NH143H) project in the state of Odisha. The core purpose of this policy is to authorize competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition for building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of a specific stretch of NH143H from Km. 0.000 (Litibeda) to Km. 31.150 (Kereya Joram). Key findings include the identification of the Collector of Sundargarh, Odisha as the competent authority for a portion of the project and the specification of affected villages. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the notification S.O. 5217(E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on December 15, 2021, pertaining to land acquisition for the NH143H highway project in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the document. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy regarding land acquisition. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the acquisition of land required for the construction, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the NH143H highway section between Litibeda and Kereya Joram in Odisha. **4. Background and Rationale:** * This new policy addresses the need to acquire land for infrastructure development, specifically the NH143H highway project. The construction, widening, or improvement of highways necessitates the acquisition of private land, and this notification serves to authorize the necessary legal processes for such acquisition. The policy addresses the need to improve road infrastructure, which likely faces challenges with existing road capacity and condition. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This policy establishes the legal framework for land acquisition for the defined section of NH143H. It contains the following key provisions: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core action of the policy is authorizing officials (mentioned in column 2 of the schedule) to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically related to the land acquisition process. * **Geographic Scope:** The policy applies to a specific stretch of land: Km. 0.000 (Litibeda) to Km. 31.150 (Kereya Joram) of NH143H. * **Project Purpose:** The land acquisition is authorized for building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway section. * **State and District Identification:** The project is located in the state of Odisha, specifically identifying Sundargarh district. * **Village Listing:** The policy lists specific villages affected by the land acquisition, including Kutra, Litibeda, Katang, Gyanpali, Laxmiposh, Dhauraadha, Dalki, Dangabandha, Andali, Badmal, Biramitrapur, Dulavpur, Jamankera, Raiboga, and Simco. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** * Landowners within the specified stretch of NH143H in Odisha. * Residents of the listed villages (Kutra, Litibeda, Katang, Gyanpali, Laxmiposh, Dhauraadha, Dalki, Dangabandha, Andali, Badmal, Biramitrapur, Dulavpur, Jamankera, Raiboga, and Simco). * **Indirectly Affected/Stakeholders:** * Construction companies involved in the NH143H project. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). * The Government of Odisha. * Local businesses and industries dependent on transportation infrastructure. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * The Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) is the issuing authority. * The Collector of Sundargarh, Odisha is identified as a competent authority for land acquisition in the Kutra area. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The policy takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (December 15, 2021). The text does not provide details on the specific timelines or procedures for the land acquisition process itself. These procedures would be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome of this policy is to facilitate the smooth and legal acquisition of land required for the NH143H project. This will enable: * Improved road infrastructure, potentially reducing travel time and transportation costs. * Enhanced connectivity and economic development in the region. * Safer and more efficient transportation along the NH143H route. * Stimulate development in previously isolated areas. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 5217(E) authorizes the necessary land acquisition for the NH143H highway project in Odisha. By designating competent authorities and defining the scope of the acquisition, this policy plays a critical role in facilitating infrastructure development and improving connectivity in the region. The policy enables the NHAI to progress with the highway project as planned and within the bounds of the National Highways Act of 1956.

Key Entities Referenced