Publication of notification under Section 3a MoRTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH753 B (Maharashtra) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 5621(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH753 B in Maharashtra. The core purpose of the notification is to authorize specific officers as competent authorities for land acquisition related to the highway's expansion to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. The key finding is the clear delegation of authority to specific officers in Dhule and Nandurbar districts, specifying the stretches of land under their jurisdiction for the stated project. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative overview of the notification S.O. 5621(E) regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway NH753 B in the state of Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided notification text. **3. Policy Overview:** This document establishes a new policy component related to the existing National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective(s):** * To authorize specific officers as competent authorities for land acquisition. * To facilitate the upgradation of National Highway NH753 B to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders. * To define the jurisdictional areas for land acquisition by competent authorities. **4. Background and Rationale:** This policy addresses the need for land acquisition to facilitate infrastructure development, specifically the upgrade of NH753 B. The notification acknowledges that land needs to be procured to widen the highway to two lanes with paved shoulders and designates personnel authorized to manage this process. The policy likely aims to streamline the process by clearly defining responsibilities and geographical jurisdictions. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy component, and its key provisions are as follows: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The Central Government authorizes specific officers to act as "competent authorities" under the National Highways Act, 1956, for land acquisition purposes. * **Geographical Scope:** The authorization is limited to specific stretches of land along NH753 B in Maharashtra. * Assistant Collector, Sub Divisional Officer, Dhule Division, Dhule: Responsible for the stretch from km. 0 to 32.2. * Collector Office Nandurbar, Tokar Talav Road, Nandurbar: Responsible for the stretch from km. 32.2 to 49.05. * **Project Scope:** The land acquisition is specifically for the "upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders" of the specified sections of NH753 B. * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued under the authority of clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land along the designated stretches of NH753 B in the Dhule and Nandurbar districts of Maharashtra. * **Residents:** Inhabitants of the villages mentioned in the schedule (Kaltek, Titane, Kuttarmare, etc.) whose property or access may be affected by the highway expansion. * **Local Authorities:** Government bodies in Dhule and Nandurbar districts involved in land administration and compensation. * **Construction Companies:** Firms contracted to perform the highway upgrade work, as land acquisition is a prerequisite for their activities. * **Transportation and Logistics Companies:** Businesses that rely on NH753 B for the movement of goods. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (issuing authority). * Assistant Collector, Sub Divisional Officer, Dhule Division, Dhule (Competent Authority for km 0-32.2) * Collector Office Nandurbar, Tokar Talav Road, Nandurbar (Competent Authority for km 32.2-49.05) * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification states that the authorization is effective "from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette" (December 2, 2022). While the notification does not explicitly detail the procedures for land acquisition, it implies that the competent authorities will follow the guidelines and provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Compensation:** The policy does not describe how compensation is to be determined. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcomes of this policy component are: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** By designating specific competent authorities, the government aims to expedite the land acquisition process, removing a potential bottleneck in the highway upgrade project. * **Highway Upgradation:** The ultimate goal is the successful upgrade of NH753 B to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders, leading to improved transportation infrastructure. * **Economic Development:** Improved highway infrastructure is expected to facilitate trade, commerce, and overall economic development in the region. * **Improved Connectivity:** The upgraded highway should lead to improved connectivity between cities and villages in Maharashtra. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 5621(E) is a critical step in the upgradation of National Highway NH753 B in Maharashtra. By authorizing specific officers as competent authorities for land acquisition, the policy aims to streamline the project and ensure its timely completion. The improved highway infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy and connectivity. This policy warrants close attention from landowners, residents, local authorities, and businesses operating in the affected areas.

Key Entities Referenced