Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for Construction of New Major Bridge over Indravati on NH-26, Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a new policy notification (S.O. 2158E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on May 15, 2025, concerning land acquisition for the "Construction of New Major Bridge over Indravati at km 302.280 of NH26" in the state of Odisha. The policy authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition as per the National Highways Act, 1956. Key findings include the identification of the specific stretches of land, districts, taluks/mandals, and villages affected, as well as the designation of the Tahasildars as the competent authorities for the land acquisition process in those specific areas. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the policy notification S.O. 2158E regarding land acquisition for the construction of a new major bridge over the Indravati River on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. This analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification, not an amendment. The core objective is to facilitate the acquisition of land necessary for the "Construction of New Major Bridge over Indravati at km 302.280 of NH26" on National Highway No. 26 in the state of Odisha, by designating competent authorities. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy specific to land acquisition for a new bridge, the underlying problem this policy addresses is the necessity to acquire the required land in order to proceed with the stated infrastructure project. The construction of the new bridge likely aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance transportation efficiency on National Highway 26 in the Odisha region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy, therefore, the following are the main components established by the provided text: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The policy authorizes the officers mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule annexed to the notification as the competent authorities to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956. Specifically, the Tahasildars are designated. * **Land Acquisition for Specific Stretch:** It details the land acquisition process for the "Construction of New Major Bridge over Indravati at km 302.280 of NH26". * **Geographical Scope:** The Schedule clearly defines the affected stretch of land in terms of State (Odisha), Districts (Nabarangpur, Koraput), Taluk/Mandal (Nandahandi, Boriguma) and specific villages (Daibhata, Aunli) with corresponding chainages (KM 302.813 to KM 304.105). * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause a of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). * **Effective Date:** The policy takes effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (May 15, 2025). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include: * **Landowners in the specified areas:** Residents and property owners in Daibhata (Nabarangpur district) and Aunli (Koraput district). * **Local Communities:** The communities residing in the affected villages and taluks/mandals. * **Construction Companies:** Businesses involved in the construction of the new bridge. * **Government Agencies:** Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI - implied), District Administration (Nabarangpur and Koraput), and the Tahasildars of Nandahandi and Boriguma. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways), the designated competent authorities (Tahasildars of Nandahandi and Boriguma), and potentially the NHAI (though not explicitly mentioned) are responsible for implementing this policy. * **Procedures:** The competent authorities (Tahasildars) are responsible for performing functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, to acquire the land. The specific procedures of land acquisition under this Act are not detailed in the provided text but are implied. * **Timelines:** No specific timelines are provided within the text, though it states the policy is effective from the date of publication. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this policy is the smooth and legal acquisition of land for the construction of the new major bridge over the Indravati River. Successful implementation will enable the timely commencement and completion of the bridge project, contributing to improved infrastructure and connectivity in the region. The impact of the acquisition on the landowners will depend on the compensation and resettlement process, which are not detailed in the provided text. **9. Conclusion:** The policy notification S.O. 2158E authorizes land acquisition for the construction of a new major bridge on NH-26 in Odisha. It identifies the specific areas affected and designates the Tahasildars as the competent authorities. This policy is a crucial step in facilitating infrastructure development and improving connectivity in the region. Further information regarding compensation, resettlement, and detailed land acquisition procedures would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the policy's impact.

Key Entities Referenced