Publication of notification under Section 3a NHAI

## Report on Notification Regarding Land Acquisition for National Highway NH27/Old NH31 in Assam **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 4313E) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on September 14, 2022, concerning land acquisition for the Nalbari to Bijni section of National Highway NH27 (Old NH31) in Assam. The core purpose is to authorize specific officers as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 to facilitate land acquisition for the highway project. Key findings indicate that the notification focuses on a defined stretch of land within the Nalbari and Baksa districts of Assam and delegates authority for land acquisition to specific officers. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 4313E, dated September 14, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the content of the provided text and aims to inform stakeholders about the key provisions of this notification regarding land acquisition for the National Highway NH27/Old NH31 project. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the notification, is to authorize specific officers to perform the functions of competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956, in order to facilitate land acquisition for building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified section of NH27 (Old NH31). **4. Background and Rationale:** * **Likely Problem/Issue Addressed:** The notification addresses the need for efficient land acquisition to facilitate the development and maintenance of national highways. It's likely issued to streamline the land acquisition process by delegating authority to specific officers responsible for different stretches of the highway. This may be in response to delays or inefficiencies in previous land acquisition procedures or to accelerate the progress of the Nalbari to Bijni section project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy specification regarding land acquisition roles. Key provisions include: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The core provision is the authorization of officers to act as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956. These officers are mentioned in column 2 of the schedule annexed to the notification. * **Geographic Scope:** The authorization applies to a specific stretch of land along NH27 (Old NH31) from Km 1040.3 to Km 1065.000, specifically the Nalbari to Bijni section. The land falls within the districts of Nalbari and Baksa in the State of Assam. * **Purpose of Land Acquisition:** The acquired land is intended for building, widening (including four-laning), maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway section. * **Schedule Detailing Land Acquisition:** The schedule details the specific stretches, state, district, taluk/mandal, name of the village, and the competent authority for land acquisition from Km 1040.300 to Km 1046.050 under Nalbari District (ADC CUM CALA NHAI, NALBARI), and from Km 1044.47KM to Km 1065KM under Baksa District (SECRETARY CUM CALA NHAI BTC). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience includes: * Landowners within the specified stretch of NH27 (Old NH31) in Nalbari and Baksa districts of Assam. * Residents and businesses located along the affected highway section. * The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). * The district administrations of Nalbari and Baksa. * Contractors and other parties involved in the highway construction and maintenance project. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agencies/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the issuing authority. The NHAI is heavily involved, as indicated by the references to "NHAIPIUGHYBHOOMIRASHIPORTALNALBARI DIST202223". The ADC CUM CALA NHAI (NALBARI) and SECRETARY CUM CALA NHAI BTC are the designated competent authorities for land acquisition in their respective districts. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (September 14, 2022). The specific procedures for land acquisition are governed by the National Highways Act, 1956, which is referenced in the text. No specific deadlines are mentioned within the provided text. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this notification include: * A more efficient and streamlined land acquisition process for the NH27 (Old NH31) project. * Accelerated progress in the construction, widening, maintenance, management, and operation of the highway. * Improved connectivity and transportation infrastructure in the Nalbari and Baksa districts of Assam. * Reduced delays and costs associated with land acquisition. * Resolution of existing land acquisition issues hindering the highway project. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 4313E represents a crucial step in facilitating the land acquisition process for the Nalbari to Bijni section of National Highway NH27 (Old NH31). By authorizing specific officers as competent authorities, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to expedite the project and improve transportation infrastructure in the region. This notification is significant for landowners, residents, and other stakeholders in the affected area as it outlines the legal framework for land acquisition and the responsible authorities involved.

Key Entities Referenced