Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway No. 26 in Odisha **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding land acquisition for the construction of a new major bridge on National Highway No. 26 in the state of Odisha. The notification authorizes a designated officer to act as the competent authority for land acquisition related to a specific stretch of land between kilometer markers 149.988 and 150.087. The report details the affected areas, responsible parties, and the expected outcome of facilitating the bridge construction. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide an informative analysis of a notification pertaining to land acquisition for infrastructure development, specifically related to National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new policy* notification relating to specific land acquisition. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the construction of a new major bridge on National Highway No. 26 by authorizing land acquisition within a defined stretch. **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new policy notification for land acquisition, the underlying issue it addresses is likely the need for land to construct the new major bridge on National Highway No. 26. The notification is likely a necessary step to legally acquire the land required for this infrastructure project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a *new policy* notification. The main provisions are: * Authorization: The notification authorizes the officer mentioned in column 2 of the Schedule as the "competent authority" under the National Highways Act, 1956. * Scope: The authorization applies specifically to the stretch of land from k.m. 149.988 to 150.087 on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. * Purpose: The land acquisition is for the construction of a new major bridge. * Geographic Area: The land acquisition affects land in the State of Odisha, District of Kalahandi, Taluk/Mandal of Kesinga, and the villages of Boria and Jolko. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * Landowners and residents within the specified stretch of land (k.m. 149.988 to 150.087) in the villages of Boria and Jolko. * The officer designated as the competent authority (Tahasildar, Kesinga). * Construction companies and contractors involved in the bridge project. * The State Government of Odisha, particularly departments related to land revenue and infrastructure. * Potentially impacted commuters and businesses along National Highway 26. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overarching responsible agency. The Tahasildar of Kesinga is designated as the "competent authority" for on-the-ground implementation of the land acquisition process. * **Timelines and Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (October 3, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition are not detailed in this text but would be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956 and other relevant regulations. The reference number F. No. ROBBSR11017LA972016 may also be relevant to internal procedures. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * Legal and expedited land acquisition within the specified stretch. * Smooth and timely commencement of the construction of the new major bridge on National Highway No. 26. * Improved transportation infrastructure, potentially leading to reduced travel times and enhanced connectivity. * Possible compensation and rehabilitation of landowners affected by the land acquisition process, as per the National Highways Act, 1956 and related regulations. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed is a key step in facilitating the construction of a new major bridge on National Highway No. 26 in Odisha. It authorizes the necessary land acquisition process, which is essential for the successful completion of this infrastructure project. The notification has significant implications for landowners, residents, government agencies, and the broader transportation network in the region.

Key Entities Referenced