Publication of notification under Section 3a morth

## Report on National Highway Land Acquisition Policy Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 326 in Odisha. The core purpose is to authorize a competent authority to perform functions related to land acquisition for the project. Key findings include the specific stretch of highway affected, the designated authority responsible for land acquisition, and the geographical area impacted by the project. This notification is likely related to the construction of the Rayagada town J.K. Pur town bypass. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide information regarding a notification published by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of a section of National Highway No. 326 in the State of Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, inferred from the provided text, is to facilitate the upgradation of a segment of National Highway 326 by authorizing a designated authority to manage the necessary land acquisition process. This aims to improve road infrastructure between 190.975 KM and 205.7 KM. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy: Briefly explain the likely problem/issue the policy addresses, inferring from the text.** This appears to be a new policy action focused on land acquisition for a specific construction project. The notification likely addresses the need to acquire land legally and efficiently to facilitate infrastructure development, specifically the upgradation of National Highway No. 326 between Rayagada and J.K. Pur town in Odisha. This suggests a need to improve connectivity and reduce congestion in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This notification establishes the following key provisions: * **Authorization of Competent Authority:** It authorizes an officer (specified in column 2 of the schedule) to act as the competent authority under the National Highways Act, 1956, for land acquisition related to this project. * **Specific Project Definition:** It defines the scope of the project as the upgradation to 2-laning with paved shoulders of km 190.975 to 205.700 of National Highway No. 326, specifically related to the Rayagada town J. K. Pur town bypass. * **Geographic Scope:** It identifies the specific state (Odisha), district (Rayagada), Taluk/Mandal (Rayagada) and villages (Amalabhata, Bhujabal, Bakuragura, Biranarayanapur, Singanapur, Barijhola, Chandili, Kamatalapeta, Katlagura, Sindhubari, Sirigura, and Sirikona) affected by the land acquisition. * **Legal Basis:** The notification is issued in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of section 3 of the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified villages along the designated stretch of National Highway 326. * **Residents:** People residing in the villages mentioned in the schedule who may be impacted by the construction. * **Local Administration:** The Rayagada district administration and the Rayagada Taluk/Mandal administration. * **Contractors and Construction Companies:** Entities involved in the actual upgradation work on the highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned?:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the "competent authority" (Tahasildar) are identified as the responsible bodies. * **Any timelines or procedures specified in the text?:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (December 21, 2022). The land acquisition procedures will likely be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The likely intended outcomes include: * **Efficient Land Acquisition:** Streamlining the process of acquiring land for the highway upgradation project. * **Improved Infrastructure:** Facilitating the construction of a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders, improving connectivity and transportation efficiency. * **Economic Development:** Supporting economic growth in the region through improved infrastructure. * **Reduced Congestion:** Bypassing Rayagada and J.K. Pur town may reduce congestion within the towns. **9. Conclusion:** This notification signifies a crucial step in the process of upgrading National Highway 326 in Odisha. By authorizing a competent authority and defining the project's scope, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to facilitate efficient land acquisition and accelerate the construction of the Rayagada town J.K. Pur town bypass. This project holds the potential to significantly improve transportation infrastructure, boost economic development, and improve the lives of people in the Rayagada district.

Key Entities Referenced