## Report on Land Acquisition Policy for Greenfield Highway Project in Odisha
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a government notification concerning the acquisition of land for the construction, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the Greenfield Highway in Odisha, specifically within the stretch from Km 17.7 to Km 33.5 in Begunia, Dist Khordha. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire identified land parcels for this project and outlines procedures for affected parties to raise objections. Key findings include the identification of affected districts, villages, and land types, as well as a defined timeline for objections and the responsible competent authority.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide an informative overview of the government notification concerning land acquisition for the Greenfield Highway project in the state of Odisha, based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. This analysis will focus on the project's objectives, key provisions, affected parties, and implementation aspects as inferred from the document.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, based on the provided text, is to facilitate the building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder/four-laning etc.), maintenance, management, and operation of the Greenfield Highway. This is to be achieved through the acquisition of land required for the project.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
* **New Policy:** This is a new policy related to land acquisition for the specified highway project. The policy addresses the need for land to facilitate infrastructure development (Greenfield Highway). The development of such infrastructure aims to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the region. The notification explicitly states the acquisition is "for public purpose," implying the project is deemed beneficial for the broader community.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
* **New Policy:** The provided text establishes the following key provisions:
* **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire specific land parcels detailed in the schedule for the Greenfield Highway project.
* **Geographic Scope:** The acquisition affects land between Km 17.7 and Km 33.5 of the Greenfield Highway in Begunia, Dist Khordha in the district of KHORDHA in the state of ODISHA.
* **Objection Mechanism:** Individuals with an interest in the land are granted a 21-day period from the date of publication of the notification to object to the land acquisition.
* **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority (Tahasildar Begunia) and must outline the grounds for the objection. Objectors have the right to be heard by the Competent Authority, either in person or through a legal practitioner.
* **Competent Authority Powers:** The Competent Authority has the power to allow or disallow objections after conducting necessary inquiries and hearings. The decision of the Competent Authority is final.
* **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other relevant details are accessible for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority.
* **Schedule of Affected Land:** A detailed schedule lists the survey/plot numbers, land types, nature of land, and area (in local units and hectares) of the land parcels to be acquired.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy are:
* Landowners within the specified stretch of the Greenfield Highway project (Km 17.7 to Km 33.5 in Begunia, Dist Khordha).
* Residents and communities living in the villages identified in the schedule (e.g., Goda Sarada, Parichhal, Dalak, Lokanathpur, Karadagadia, Ramasinghprasad, Patanibar, Sarua, Phulachhanchuni).
* The Competent Authority (Tahasildar Begunia), responsible for handling objections and making decisions regarding land acquisition.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* The Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) is responsible for declaring the intention to acquire land.
* The Competent Authority (Tahasildar Begunia) is responsible for managing the objection process, conducting inquiries, and making decisions on land acquisition.
* **Timelines and Procedures:**
* Affected parties have 21 days from the date of notification publication to file objections.
* The Competent Authority is expected to provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard.
* The Competent Authority is responsible for making a final order regarding the objections.
* Interested persons can inspect land acquisition plans at the office of the Competent Authority.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* **New Policy:** The expected outcomes of this policy, based on the text, include:
* Acquisition of land necessary for the Greenfield Highway project.
* Facilitation of infrastructure development to enhance connectivity.
* Potential economic development in the region due to improved transportation infrastructure.
* Resolution of land acquisition through a defined objection process.
**9. Conclusion:**
The government notification outlines the intention to acquire land for the Greenfield Highway project in Odisha. It establishes a process for affected parties to raise objections and defines the roles of key stakeholders. While the text provides details on land parcels and procedures, further information on compensation, rehabilitation, and specific project timelines would provide a more complete understanding of the project's impact. Nevertheless, this notification marks a significant step in facilitating the development of critical infrastructure in the region.
Key Entities Referenced
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA: Title of the publication.
REGD. No. D. L.3300499: Registration number of the document.
JUNE 13, 2025: Date of publication of the gazette notification.
JYAISTHA 23, 1947: Date in the Indian national calendar corresponding to the date of publication.
PART IISEC. 3ii: Section of the Gazette of India.
Greenfield Highway: Name of the highway project for which land acquisition is being carried out.
Km. 17.7 to Km. 33.5: Specific stretch of land on the Greenfield Highway being acquired.
ATBegunia,DistKhordha: Location of the land being acquired.
KHORDHA: District where the land acquisition is taking place.
ODISHA: State where the land acquisition is taking place.
National Highways Act, 1956: Act under which the land acquisition is being carried out.
section 3A: Section of the National Highways Act, 1956 that confers the power for the land aquisition.
Central Government: The government body responsible for the land aquisition.
Official Gazette: The official publication where the notification is published.
section 3C: Section of the National Highways Act, 1956 which outlines the process for objecting to the land aquisition.
Competent Authority: Authority to whom objections regarding the land acquisition can be made.
Tahasildar Begunia: The Competent Authority responsible for addressing objections.
SCHEDULE: Section of the notification containing details of the land to be acquired.
Goda Sarada: Village name.
Parichhal: Village name.
Dalak: Village name.
Lokanathpur: Village name.
Karadagadia: Village name.
Ramasinghprasad: Village name.
Patanibar: Village name.
Sarua: Village name.
Phulachhanchuni: Village name.
SHAIKH AMINKHAN: Director.
NHAIRMSRGPGeoCRRRILA3a3A: File Number.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS: The ministry.
New Delhi: Location.
S.O. 2615E: Order.