Publication of notification under Section 3A

## Report on Land Acquisition for Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway (Reasi) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire specific land parcels for the construction, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the expressway between Km 554.000 and Km 567.000. It also outlines the process for landowners to object to the acquisition. The key finding is the government's active pursuit of land acquisition to facilitate this infrastructure project, potentially impacting local landowners and requiring their engagement in the objection process if they choose. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of a notification (S.O. 3344(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway project, based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new policy action* related to an existing Act (National Highways Act, 1956). * **Core Objective:** To acquire land for the building, widening (two-lane with paved shoulder/four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway within a specific stretch in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir (Km 554.000 to Km 567.000). **4. Background and Rationale:** * This is a *new policy action*. The text indicates that the land acquisition is "for the public purpose" of constructing and maintaining a section of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. This suggests a need to improve transportation infrastructure in the region, likely to enhance connectivity and economic activity. The project likely aims to reduce travel times and improve road safety. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * This is a *new policy action*, detailing initial provisions for land acquisition. * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the specified expressway project. * **Land Description:** The land to be acquired is briefly described in the Schedule, including survey numbers, land type, nature of land, and area in hectares for specific plots in Katra, Parthal village. Specifically, plot 789 (0.2352000 hectares) and plot 791 (0.0860000 hectares), both government-owned non-agricultural land, are targeted. * **Objection Process:** Individuals with interest in the land have 21 days from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette to object to the land use. * **Competent Authority:** The Deputy Commissioner Reasi is designated as the Competent Authority to receive and review objections. * **Hearing of Objections:** The Competent Authority must provide objectors an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. * **Finality of Order:** The Competent Authority's decision on objections is final. * **Availability of Information:** Land plans and other details are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** * **Directly Affected:** Landowners (or those with an interest in the land) within the specified stretch (Km 554.000 to Km 567.000) of the proposed expressway in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir. Specifically, those with an interest in plots 789 and 791 in Parthal village. * **Other Stakeholders:** The general public, particularly those who will benefit from the improved transportation infrastructure (residents of the region and travellers). NHAI and construction companies involved in the expressway project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Deputy Commissioner Reasi (as the Competent Authority). The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall governing body. * **Timeline:** Landowners have 21 days from August 16, 2021, to submit objections. Subsequent timelines related to hearings and the Competent Authority's decision are not specified in the provided text. * **Procedure:** 1. Publication of the notification in the Official Gazette. 2. Landowners submit objections to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi within 21 days. 3. The Deputy Commissioner provides a hearing. 4. The Deputy Commissioner makes a decision to allow or disallow the objections. 5. The Deputy Commissioner's order is final. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * The intended outcome is the acquisition of land to facilitate the construction, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. This is expected to improve transportation infrastructure, reduce travel times, enhance connectivity, and potentially boost economic activity in the region. However, it will also result in the displacement of landowners, though the objection process allows for potential mitigation of negative impacts. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signals a key step in the development of the Delhi-Ludhiana-Amritsar-Katra Expressway by initiating the land acquisition process. While promoting infrastructure development, it also presents immediate challenges for landowners who must understand their rights and the objection process. This notification is significant as it represents the commencement of physical changes in the landscape to facilitate a large-scale infrastructure project.

Key Entities Referenced