Publication of notification under Section 3D NHAI

## Policy Analysis Report: Land Acquisition for National Highway Development in Karnataka **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of land in the Ballari district of Karnataka. The notification, published on November 10, 2022, declares the Central Government's intention to acquire land for the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the Bellary-Moka-KNTS Border section, as part of the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The acquired land, spanning from Km. 0.00 to Km. 34.144, will vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances. This report provides an overview of the policy, its objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential impacts. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways' notification regarding land acquisition for the Bellary-Moka-KNTS Border section of the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor, based solely on the information provided in the given text. The report will analyze the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy announcement declaring the acquisition of land. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to acquire land for the building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the Bellary-Moka-KNTS Border section of the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This contributes to the larger goal of improved national highway infrastructure. **4. Background and Rationale:** This policy addresses the need for land acquisition to facilitate the development of national highway infrastructure. The notification indicates the Central Government's intent to improve road connectivity along the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor, a key component of the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The absence of this acquisition would likely hinder the progress of the intended highway development. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This policy establishes the following: * **Declaration of Intent:** The Central Government declares its intention to acquire land as specified in the schedule annexed to the notification. * **Purpose of Acquisition:** The land will be used for building, widening, four-laning, maintenance, management, and operation of the specified highway section. * **Land Vesting:** Upon publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, the land specified in the schedule will vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances. * **Land Details:** The notification includes a brief description of the land to be acquired, including survey numbers, type of land (Government Dry), area in hectares, and the name of the land owner. * **Project Context:** The project is explicitly identified as the Bellary-Moka-KNTS Border section of the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. * **Legal Basis:** The notification references the National Highway Act, 1956, specifically citing sections 3A and 3D as the legal basis for the land acquisition. * **Grievances Addressed:** The text indicates that objections were received, considered, and disallowed by the competent authority. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the primary stakeholders directly affected by this policy are: * **Landowners:** Specifically, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) and other interested persons mentioned in the schedule of land to be acquired. * **Residents of Ballari District, Karnataka:** The project directly impacts this region. * **The Hindu and Kannada Prabha readership:** The notification's substance was published in these newspapers. * **Central Government:** The Central Government as the acquiring entity and the implementing body through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. * **Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI, Ballari** is a key stakeholder. * **Contractors and Construction Companies:** Those who will be involved in the building and development of the highway. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. The Special Land Acquisition Officer, NHAI, Ballari, is also involved. * **Timelines or procedures:** The notification declares that the land will vest in the Central Government upon publication in the Official Gazette. This suggests a relatively immediate transfer of ownership following the notification. * The notification references the National Highway Act, 1956, which provides the overall legal framework and procedures for land acquisition. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy, based on the text, are: * **Facilitation of Highway Development:** Acquisition of land to facilitate the construction, widening, and improvement of the Bellary-Moka-KNTS Border highway section. * **Improved Connectivity:** Enhanced road connectivity along the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor. * **Economic Growth:** Contribution to the broader objectives of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, which aims to improve infrastructure and stimulate economic growth. * **Legal Transfer of Land:** Legal and complete transfer of land ownership to the Central Government without encumbrances. **9. Conclusion:** The notification from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways signals the commencement of land acquisition for a crucial section of the Hassan-Raichur Economical Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This policy decision is a significant step towards improving road infrastructure in the region, with potential benefits for connectivity, economic development, and overall transportation efficiency. The absolute vesting of land to the Central Government upon notification ensures a clear and unobstructed path for the highway development project. Affected Industries should monitor this project.

Key Entities Referenced