Publication of notification under Section 3A NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Land for National Highway 361 (Maharashtra) **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, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 361 in the state of Maharashtra. The notification declares the government's intention to acquire land in a specific stretch from Km 505.550 to Km 567.000. The report details the notification's purpose, key provisions for land acquisition, procedures for lodging objections, and potential impact on landowners in the affected area. Key findings highlight the specified timeframe for objections and the finality of the Competent Authority's decision. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of a notification issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways concerning land acquisition for National Highway No. 361 in Maharashtra. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a *new policy action* related to land acquisition for a specific project under the National Highways Act, 1956. * **Core Objective:** The core objective, as stated in the notification, is to acquire land for the "building, widening, four laning etc., maintenance, management and operation" of National Highway No. 361 within a specific section (Km 505.550 to Km 567.000). The text explicitly identifies this acquisition as being "for the public purpose." **4. Background and Rationale:** As a new policy action for this specific area, the notification suggests that the existing infrastructure of National Highway 361 in the Ganjur to Ralga section requires improvement. The stated purpose – "building, widening, four laning etc., maintenance, management and operation" – implies that the current highway is either insufficient to meet traffic demands or requires upgrades for safety and efficiency. The notification indicates the Central Government is satisfied that acquisition of the land is required for the described public purpose. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a *new policy action* outlining the intended land acquisition. The key provisions are: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land for the specified purposes along National Highway 361 between Km 505.550 and Km 567.000. * **Land Description:** The notification includes a brief description of the land to be acquired, including the state (Maharashtra), district (Latur), Taluk (Chakur), and specific villages (Ashta, Bansawargaon), along with survey plot numbers, types of land, nature of land (agricultural), and area in hectares. * **Objection Process:** Individuals with an interest in the land have twenty-one days from the date of the notification's publication in the Official Gazette to object to the land acquisition. * **Competent Authority:** Objections must be made in writing to the Deputy Collector Land Acquisition Officer, Purna Project Latur, the designated "Competent Authority." * **Hearing of Objections:** The Competent Authority must provide objectors an opportunity to be heard, either in person or through a legal practitioner. * **Final Decision:** The Competent Authority will make a final decision on the objections after considering all information and conducting any necessary inquiries. The decision of the Competent Authority is final. * **Land Plan Availability:** Land plans and other details are available for inspection at the office of the Competent Authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners:** Individuals who own land within the specified stretch of National Highway 361 (Km 505.550 to Km 567.000) in the Latur district of Maharashtra, specifically in the villages of Ashta and Bansawargaon. * **Residents:** Residents of Ashta and Bansawargaon may be impacted depending on proximity to the highway and potential disruption. * **Legal Practitioners:** Lawyers representing landowners who may object to the acquisition. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is ultimately responsible. The Deputy Collector Land Acquisition Officer, Purna Project Latur, acts as the "Competent Authority." * **Timeline:** Landowners have 21 days from the date of publication (June 1, 2022) to lodge objections. * **Procedure:** The procedure involves: * Publication of the notification in the Official Gazette. * Landowners submitting written objections to the Competent Authority. * The Competent Authority providing a hearing to objectors. * The Competent Authority making a final decision on the objections. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this policy action is to acquire the necessary land to facilitate the building, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of National Highway No. 361. This is likely aimed at improving transportation infrastructure, reducing travel times, increasing safety, and promoting economic development in the region. The impact on landowners includes potential displacement and compensation for acquired land. **9. Conclusion:** The notification outlines the intended acquisition of land for National Highway No. 361 in Maharashtra. The process includes a defined timeframe for landowners to object, a designated Competent Authority to review objections, and a final decision-making process. This policy action is significant as it directly affects landowners in the specified area and contributes to the broader objective of improving national highway infrastructure.

Key Entities Referenced