Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway Spur in Uttar Pradesh **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 1, 2021, concerning land acquisition for a section of National Highway connecting NH24 to NH87 in Uttar Pradesh. The notification designates competent authorities to oversee land acquisition for the project, which involves building, widening, and maintaining a four-lane highway bypassing Rampur town. This report details the policy's objective, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and expected outcomes based solely on the information provided in the notification. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a notification (S.O. 2110(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, on June 1, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the text of the notification and focuses on the land acquisition process for a specific highway project in Uttar Pradesh. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy regarding authorization of officers to perform functions of competent authorities. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to authorize competent authorities for land acquisition to facilitate the building, widening (to four lanes), maintenance, management, and operation of a highway section connecting NH24 to NH87, bypassing Rampur town in Uttar Pradesh. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification likely addresses the need for efficient land acquisition to support infrastructure development, specifically the construction and upgrade of national highways. The construction of the Rampur Rudrapur section is likely being undertaken to improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion in Rampur town, and facilitate smoother transportation in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy so we will outline the key provisions from the provided text. The primary provision of this notification is the authorization of specific officers as "competent authorities" under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956. These officers are empowered to perform the functions outlined in the Act concerning the acquisition of land for the identified highway project. The specific details include: * **Geographic Scope:** The notification pertains to a stretch of land on the western side spur of the Rampur Rudrapur section, connecting NH24 to NH87, bypassing Rampur town in Uttar Pradesh, specifically from Km. 0 to Km. 16.9. * **Purpose of Land Acquisition:** The land is being acquired for building, widening (four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway section. * **Designated Competent Authorities:** The notification identifies authorities for different stretches: * For the stretch from 5.8 KM the competent authority is ADM Rampur. * For the stretch from 0 KM to 5.2 KM and 16.9KM, the competent authority is Special Land Acquisition Officer, Moradabad. * **Effective Date:** The authorization is effective from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette (June 1, 2021). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of the highway project in Pasiyapur Shumali, Thotar, and Siharia villages. * **Residents of Rampur Town:** Potentially impacted by the highway bypassing the town (both positively and negatively). * **The competent authorities designated** ADM Rampur and Special Land Acquisition Officer, Moradabad. * **Construction Companies/Contractors:** Those involved in the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall responsible agency. The ADM Rampur and Special Land Acquisition Officer, Moradabad are responsible for land acquisition within their respective jurisdictions. * **Procedures:** The notification triggers the land acquisition process under the National Highways Act, 1956. This would involve surveys, land valuation, compensation assessment, and potential resettlement and rehabilitation of affected parties, according to the procedures prescribed in the relevant laws. * **Timelines:** The notification itself does not specify explicit timelines, but it initiates the land acquisition process, which is subject to statutory deadlines and administrative procedures. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * **Facilitated Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the land acquisition process by designating competent authorities. * **Expedited Highway Construction:** Accelerating the construction, widening, and maintenance of the specified highway section. * **Improved Connectivity:** Enhancing connectivity between NH24 and NH87, potentially reducing travel time and costs. * **Reduced Traffic Congestion:** Bypassing Rampur town is expected to alleviate traffic congestion within the town. * **Economic Development:** Improved infrastructure can potentially contribute to economic development in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on June 1, 2021, is a crucial step in facilitating the land acquisition process for the construction and upgrade of the highway section connecting NH24 to NH87 in Uttar Pradesh. By designating competent authorities, the notification aims to streamline the land acquisition process and contribute to the timely completion of this important infrastructure project. The project is expected to have significant positive impacts on connectivity, traffic flow, and economic development in the region.

Key Entities Referenced