Publication of notification under Section 3a

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for NH-114A Upgrade in Jharkhand **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway 114A in Jharkhand. The notification, published in the Gazette of India on June 22, 2021, authorizes designated officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition related to upgrading a specific stretch of NH-114A to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. This report details the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and likely impact on the road infrastructure and land owners within the specified region. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of NH-114A in the state of Jharkhand, as published in the Gazette of India on June 22, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a new policy notification regarding land acquisition for a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, as stated in the notification, is to facilitate the upgradation of the stretch of National Highway 114A from Km. 141.000 to Km. 184.000 to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders in the State of Jharkhand. **4. Background and Rationale:** * The notification addresses the need to acquire land for infrastructural development. The upgrade of NH-114A likely aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and enhance road safety within the region. The need for land acquisition is a prerequisite to execute these improvements. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This is a new policy notification, so the following provisions are established. * **Establishment of Competent Authorities:** The notification authorizes officers (mentioned in column 2 of the schedule) to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act of 1956. * **Scope of Authority:** These competent authorities are empowered to perform their functions concerning the stretch of land from Km. 141.000 to Km. 184.000 of NH-114A in the State of Jharkhand. * **Geographic Specification:** The land acquisition affects specific districts, taluks/mandals, and villages, detailed in the attached schedule. These include areas within the Deoghar district, and the Raniganj and Sarath taluks/mandals. Specific villages listed are, among others, Bavangama, Futabandh, Belabad, Arajori, TulsiDabar, Alwara, Kharkuti, Bhikhna, Titmo Narangi, Singhraidih, Nawadih, Bandajori, AmbaKulwa, Devali Sirsa, Sirsa Sarwa and Mahtodih. * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued under the authority of clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the specified stretch of NH-114A (Km. 141.000 to Km. 184.000) in the mentioned districts, taluks, and villages of Jharkhand, as their land will be subject to acquisition. * **Residents of Affected Villages:** The residents of Raniganj and Sarath of JHARKHAND DEOGHAR, including Bavangama, Futabandh, Belabad, Arajori, TulsiDabar, Alwara, Kharkuti, Bhikhna, Titmo Narangi, Singhraidih, Nawadih, Bandajori, AmbaKulwa, Devali Sirsa, Sirsa Sarwa and Mahtodih will be directly impacted by the construction project. * **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways:** The central government ministry responsible for the national highway development. * **Implementing Agencies:** The specific agencies responsible for carrying out the land acquisition and road construction. * **Local Government:** District and Taluk level administrations in Jharkhand, involved in facilitating the land acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ultimately responsible. Specific "competent authorities" are designated to execute the land acquisition process. The District Land Acquisition Officer is mentioned. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (June 22, 2021). The specific procedures for land acquisition are governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, though detailed timelines are not provided in this text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is to enable the upgradation of NH-114A to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders between Km. 141.000 and Km. 184.000 in Jharkhand. This upgrade is likely to: * Improve transportation efficiency and reduce travel time. * Enhance road safety for commuters. * Facilitate economic development in the region through improved connectivity. * Potentially cause displacement of landowners and residents, requiring fair compensation and rehabilitation measures. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification outlines the authorization of competent authorities for land acquisition, to facilitate the upgradation of a critical stretch of NH-114A in Jharkhand. This initiative is likely to result in improved transportation infrastructure, potentially benefiting the region through enhanced connectivity and economic development. However, careful attention must be paid to the fair compensation and resettlement of affected landowners and residents to mitigate any adverse social impacts. The effectiveness of this policy hinges on the efficient and transparent execution of the land acquisition process.

Key Entities Referenced