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## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway 17 (NH17) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding the intended acquisition of land for the building, widening (including two-lane with paved shoulder and four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway 17 (NH17). The notification, S.O. 5443(E), declares the government's intention to acquire land in the Goalpara district of Assam, specifically within a stretch of land from Km 70.8 to Km 142.342 and more specifically from Design Chainage Km. 71.800 to Km. 84.100. Key findings highlight the affected landowners' right to object to the acquisition within a specified timeframe and the process for doing so. The report aims to inform potentially affected parties about the provisions of this notification. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an analysis of the Notification S.O. 5443(E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, as published in the Gazette of India on November 23, 2022. The purpose of this report is to provide a comprehensive overview of the notification's contents, focusing on its objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential implications, based solely on the information provided in the text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective of this notification is to declare the government's intention to acquire land for a public purpose, namely the building, widening (including two-lane with paved shoulder and four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of NH17. **4. Background and Rationale:** * **New Policy:** This is a new notification declaring intent to acquire land. The notification implicitly addresses the need for improvements and expansion of NH17 to enhance transportation infrastructure and connectivity. The purpose is stated as "building wideningtwo lane with paved shoulderfour laning etc.,, maintenance, management and operation" suggesting existing infrastructure is not meeting current or future needs. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** The notification establishes the following key provisions: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the stated purpose. * **Affected Area:** The land to be acquired is located in the Goalpara district of Assam, specifically along NH17, from Km. 70.8 to Km. 142.342, and more specifically from Design Chainage Km. 71.800 to Km. 84.100. The specific survey plot numbers, type, nature and area (in both local units and hectares) of land to be acquired is detailed in the Schedule, including private SALITOLI and BARI land. * **Right to Object:** Individuals with an interest in the land have the right to object to the acquisition within twenty-one days from the notification's publication date. * **Objection Procedure:** Objections must be submitted in writing to the Competent Authority (Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara), stating the grounds for the objection. * **Hearing of Objections:** The Competent Authority is required to provide objectors with an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. The Competent Authority may then allow or disallow the objections after further enquiry. * **Finality of Order:** The decision of the Competent Authority regarding the 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. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Landowners in the Goalpara district of Assam whose land falls within the specified area (Km. 70.8 to Km. 142.342 and Design Chainage Km. 71.800 to Km. 84.100) of NH17. * Residents and businesses in the Goalpara district who may be indirectly affected by the land acquisition and subsequent road development. * The Competent Authority (Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara) responsible for handling objections and implementing the acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the primary responsible agency. The Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Goalpara, serves as the Competent Authority for handling objections. * **Timelines/Procedures:** A key timeline is the 21-day period for submitting objections following the publication of the notification. The procedure involves submitting written objections to the Competent Authority, who will then conduct hearings and make a final decision. * The National Highways Act, 1956 provides the legal framework for this activity. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **New Policy:** The intended outcomes of this land acquisition are likely to facilitate the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of NH17. This could lead to improved transportation infrastructure, reduced travel times, enhanced connectivity, and potentially, economic development in the region. The specific survey plot numbers, type, nature and area (in both local units and hectares) of land to be acquired is detailed in the Schedule, including private SALITOLI and BARI land. **9. Conclusion:** The Notification S.O. 5443(E) signifies the government's commitment to upgrading and expanding NH17. It is crucial for landowners and other stakeholders in the Goalpara district of Assam to understand their rights and obligations as outlined in the notification, particularly the 21-day window for submitting objections. The successful implementation of this land acquisition is vital for the planned improvements to NH17, potentially leading to significant benefits for the region's transportation network and economy.

Key Entities Referenced