Publication of notification under Section 3A MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 326 Widening in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government notification concerning the acquisition of land for widening National Highway (NH) 326 in the state of Odisha. The core purpose, as stated in the notification, is to acquire land for building a 2-lane road with paved shoulders from km 00 to 520 of the Dhaugaon to Taptapani Section of NH326. The key finding is that the government intends to acquire specific parcels of land in the Ganjam district for this project, and provides a process for affected individuals to raise objections. This report focuses solely on the information provided within the notification. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview of a government notification regarding land acquisition for the widening of NH-326 in Odisha. The analysis is based exclusively on the information contained within the provided policy text and aims to inform affected parties about the government's intentions and their rights concerning this acquisition. **3. Policy Overview:** This appears to be a notification related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956, related to development of NH-326. * **Core Objective(s):** According to the text, the core objective is the acquisition of land to facilitate the "building [and] widening to 2Lane with paved shoulders from km 00 to 520 Dhaugaon to Taptapani Section of NH326 in the state of Odisha, maintenance, management and operation of NH326". **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy Rationale (Inferred):** The notification indicates a need to improve the existing NH326 by widening it to a 2-lane road with paved shoulders. This suggests that the existing road infrastructure is likely insufficient to meet current or projected traffic demands, necessitating expansion for improved connectivity and transportation efficiency. The reference to "maintenance, management and operation" also suggests the existing infrastructure may be in need of upgrades. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a **New Policy**, so we will detail the main components, rules, and actions mandated by the provided text: * **Land Acquisition Intention:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the aforementioned road widening project. * **Affected Area:** The acquisition affects land in the Ganjam district of Odisha, specifically villages like G. Dhaugaon and Pankalabadi. * **Right to Objection:** Individuals with an interest in the land have 21 days from the notification's publication date (June 13, 2022) to object to the land acquisition. * **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority (Tahasildar, Dharakote), stating the grounds for the objection. * **Hearing Process:** The Competent Authority will provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. The Authority will then decide to allow or disallow the objections after further inquiry. * **Finality of Order:** The Competent Authority's order regarding objections is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other details related to the acquisition are available for inspection at the Competent Authority's office. * **Land Details:** Schedule included with survey plot numbers, land type, land nature, area in local units and in hectares * Village: G. Dhaugaon * Survey 1 Plot 1: Private, Billa, 0.2490000Acre, 0.1007689 Hectare * Survey 2 Plot 2: Private, Barshadhar, 0.2110000Acre, 0.0853905 Hectare * Village: Pankalabadi * Survey 1109 Plot 1: Private, Billa Jala Sechita Do Phasali, 0.0650000Acre, 0.0263051 Hectare * Survey 1110 Plot 2: Private, Billa Jala Sechita Do Phasali, 0.0280000Acre, 0.0113314 Hectare * Survey 11113510 Plot 3: Government, Nayan Zori, 0.0170000Acre, 0.0068798 Hectare **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners in the specified villages (G. Dhaugaon and Pankalabadi) within the Ganjam district of Odisha whose land falls within the designated area for acquisition. * Residents of these villages who may be directly or indirectly affected by the road widening project. * The Competent Authority (Tahasildar, Dharakote) responsible for handling objections and overseeing the land acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Central Government (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) * Competent Authority (Tahasildar, Dharakote) * **Timelines and Procedures:** * 21-day period for affected individuals to file objections from the date of notification publication (June 13, 2022). * The Competent Authority is responsible for hearing and resolving objections, with the ability to conduct further inquiries as needed. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this land acquisition notification are: * Successful acquisition of the necessary land to facilitate the widening of NH-326. * Improved road infrastructure along the Dhaugaon to Taptapani section, leading to better connectivity, reduced travel times, and increased transportation efficiency. * Potential economic benefits for the region due to improved transportation infrastructure. * Addressing existing road capacity issues and accommodating future traffic growth. * Potential displacement and impacts to landowners. **9. Conclusion:** The government notification signals a significant infrastructure development project along NH-326 in Odisha. The notification initiates the land acquisition process, outlining the rights and responsibilities of affected landowners and the procedures for raising objections. The successful implementation of this project is expected to improve connectivity and transportation efficiency in the region, while landowners should be aware of the established process for voicing their concerns.

Key Entities Referenced