Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 161 New, Maharashtra **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 161 New in the state of Maharashtra. The core purpose, as inferred from the text, is to acquire land for the aforementioned highway project. Key findings include the declaration of intent to acquire land, a specified process for affected parties to raise objections, and the identification of the Competent Authority responsible for handling objections. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a government notification concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. 161 New in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the information presented in the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *New Policy*, as it is a specific notification regarding land acquisition and not an amendment to a pre-existing policy within the context of the provided text. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the primary objective is to acquire land for the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 161 New between Km. 40.100 to Km. 97.700 in Maharashtra. **4. Background and Rationale:** As a *New Policy* (in the context of this document), the text suggests the following rationale: The policy addresses the need to improve transportation infrastructure by expanding and maintaining National Highway No. 161 New. The explicit mention of "public purpose" implies that the government deems the highway project essential for the benefit of the community, likely to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and facilitate economic activity in the Nanded-Hingoli-Washim-Akola region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** Since this is being treated as a new policy based on the document provided, the key provisions are: * **Declaration of Intent to Acquire Land:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land within the specified stretch of National Highway No. 161 New (Km. 40.100 to Km. 97.700). * **Right to Object:** Individuals with an interest in the land have 21 days from the notification's publication date (January 18, 2022) to object to the land acquisition. * **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority (Sub-Divisional Officer, Land Acquisition Officer, Washim) and must detail the grounds for the objection. * **Hearing Process:** The Competent Authority is required to provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. * **Competent Authority Decision:** The Competent Authority will review objections and make a final order to either allow or disallow them. This order is final. * **Availability of Land Plans:** Land plans and other details regarding the land to be acquired are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. * **Area to be Acquired:** The document includes specific land plot numbers, types of land, and the areas (in hectares) to be acquired. Example: Survey No. 150 in Rajgaon village with an area of 0.0150 hectares. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners and individuals with an interest in the land located within the specified stretch (Km. 40.100 to Km. 97.700) of National Highway No. 161 New in the Washim district of Maharashtra. * Residents and businesses in the Washim district, as the highway project is intended for public use. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing the notification). * National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) (indicated by the reference number "NHAIPIUNedLANH16120163A"). * Sub-Divisional Officer, Land Acquisition Officer, Washim (Competent Authority). * **Timelines:** * A 21-day window is provided for affected parties to submit objections from the date of publication (January 18, 2022). * **Procedures:** * Landowners submit written objections to the Competent Authority. * The Competent Authority conducts hearings and makes a final decision on the objections. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification, as inferred from the provided text, are: * Facilitation of the land acquisition process for the construction, widening, maintenance, and operation of National Highway No. 161 New. * Resolution of land-related issues and objections through a defined legal process. * Ultimately, the completion of the highway project, leading to improved transportation infrastructure and connectivity in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed outlines the government's intention to acquire land for the National Highway No. 161 New project in Maharashtra. It establishes a clear process for affected parties to raise objections and ensures that these objections are addressed by a designated Competent Authority. This process is a critical step in facilitating infrastructure development and achieving the project's intended benefits for the public.

Key Entities Referenced