Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highway No. 367 (NH367) Land Acquisition in Karnataka **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding land acquisition for the Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 367 (NH367) in the State of Karnataka. The notification authorizes specific officers as competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, within defined stretches of land along NH367. The key finding is the formal designation of authority for land acquisition, enabling the highway project's progression. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of the notification S.O. 244(E), published in the Gazette of India on January 18, 2022, concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. 367 (NH367) in the State of Karnataka. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** This notification pertains to a new designation of authorities related to an existing project. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the text, is to facilitate the Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 367 (NH367) by legally empowering designated officers to conduct land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need for land acquisition to facilitate infrastructure development, specifically the Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 367 (NH367). The notification provides the legal mechanism to acquire land by designating competent authorities responsible for the process. Without this designation, the project would likely face delays due to the absence of authorized personnel to oversee land acquisition. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * The primary provision is the authorization of officers listed in Column 2 of the Schedule as "competent authorities." * These authorities are empowered to perform functions under the National Highways Act, 1956, related to land acquisition. * The authorization is specifically for the stretch of land specified in Column 3 of the Schedule, relating to NH367 in Karnataka. * The Schedule details specific locations, identifying State (KARNATAKA), Districts (BAGALKOT), Taluk/Mandal (Bagalakote Sub Division, Guledhagudda), and Villages (e.g., Anadinni, Kesanur, Veerapur etc.). * The specific stretch of land is defined by kilometer markers (104.794KM To 155.149KM). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * **Landowners:** Individuals or entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH367 subject to acquisition. * **Residents:** Communities residing within the affected villages. * **Contractors:** Construction companies involved in the Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of NH367. * **The State Government of Karnataka:** As the state where the highway project is located. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the central authority. The "competent authorities" (officers mentioned in Column 2 of the Schedule) are responsible for on-the-ground implementation. The Assistant Commissioner Bagalakote Sub Division appears to be one such designated authority. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (January 18, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, but are not detailed within this notification. * **Procedure:** The notification indicates that officers are now authorized to take the next step in the project related to land acquisition. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome is the smooth and legal acquisition of land required for the Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 367 (NH367). This is expected to: * Facilitate the timely completion of the highway project. * Improve transportation infrastructure in the region. * Potentially lead to economic benefits through improved connectivity. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 244(E) is a crucial step in the process of Building/Widening/Fourlaning, maintenance, management and operation of National Highway No. 367 (NH367) in Karnataka. By designating competent authorities for land acquisition, the government has enabled the necessary legal framework for the project to proceed. This will likely impact landowners, residents, and businesses in the region and contribute to infrastructure development in Karnataka.

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