Publication of notification under Section 3a MORTH

## Policy Analysis Report: Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for NH707A Upgradation **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on May 20, 2022. The notification pertains to land acquisition for the upgradation of National Highway 707A (NH707A) to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders, specifically between kilometer markers 84.00 and 160.00 in the state of Uttarakhand. The core purpose is to authorize competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition under the National Highways Act of 1956. Key findings indicate a focus on improving road infrastructure in the specified region of Uttarakhand. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification concerning land acquisition for the upgradation of NH707A in Uttarakhand. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification is related to the National Highways Act, 1956 (48 of 1956). * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to facilitate the upgradation of NH707A to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders between kilometer markers 84.00 and 160.00. This is achieved by authorizing designated officers to act as competent authorities for land acquisition under the National Highways Act, 1956. **4. Background and Rationale:** The notification addresses the need for improved road infrastructure on NH707A in Uttarakhand. The upgradation to a 2-lane configuration with paved shoulders likely aims to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, improve road safety, and support economic development in the region. The land acquisition is a necessary step to enable the physical construction and widening of the highway. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** This is a notification enabling land acquisition for a specific project. * The notification authorizes officers listed in the schedule to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. * The authorization pertains specifically to the stretch of land from km 84.00 to km 160.00 on NH707A in Uttarakhand. * The schedule lists the State (Uttarakhand), District (Dehradun), Taluk/Mandal (Chakrata, Kalsi, Mussoorie Nagar Palika), and specific villages affected by the land acquisition: Birmau, Chhatau, Kyawa Chakrata, Nagau, Makhti, Chakrata Cantonment, Purori, Sawai, Singhor, Loharna, Dhiroi, Khari, Munshi Kalsi, Luhan, Lakhwar, Lohari, Bairatkhai, Nagthat, Bharaya, Lakhsyar and Ward No. 11,12. * The competent authorities are identified as the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this policy include: * Landowners and residents in the villages and areas mentioned in the schedule (Birmau, Chhatau, Kyawa Chakrata, Nagau, Makhti, Chakrata Cantonment, Purori, Sawai, Singhor, Loharna, Dhiroi, Khari, Munshi Kalsi, Luhan, Lakhwar, Lohari, Bairatkhai, Nagthat, Bharaya, Lakhsyar and Ward No. 11,12). * Businesses and industries operating in the affected areas. * The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * The Government of Uttarakhand. * Construction companies and contractors involved in the highway upgradation project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the overall responsible agency. The Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) is responsible for the land acquisition process. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (May 20, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition will be governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, and related regulations. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification are: * Facilitation of land acquisition for the NH707A upgradation project. * Expedited construction and completion of the 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. * Improved transportation infrastructure, connectivity, and economic opportunities in the region. * Enhanced road safety for commuters on NH707A. **9. Conclusion:** The notification analyzed in this report is a crucial step towards upgrading NH707A in Uttarakhand. By authorizing competent authorities to perform land acquisition functions, the notification aims to facilitate the timely and efficient execution of the highway improvement project. This upgradation is expected to have a positive impact on transportation, economic development, and road safety in the region. The notification empowers relevant authorities to commence the process of land acquisition as per the provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956, thereby enabling the physical upgradation of the highway.

Key Entities Referenced