Schedule for upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders of Km. 0 to Km. 75 of ADC Office Kaza (NH505) in the State of HIMACHAL PRADESH.

## Policy Analysis Report: National Highway NH505 Land Acquisition Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 1348(E)) issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, published on March 25, 2021. This notification pertains to land acquisition for the upgradation of a specific stretch of National Highway 505 (NH505) in Himachal Pradesh. The core purpose is to authorize competent authorities to perform functions related to land acquisition for the project. The key finding is that the notification details the specific stretch of highway, districts, and villages affected by the land acquisition process, enabling the highway's planned upgrade. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative overview and analysis of a government notification regarding land acquisition for the upgrade of National Highway 505 in Himachal Pradesh. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy notification authorizing land acquisition for a specific project. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as stated in the text, is to authorize designated officers as competent authorities under the National Highways Act of 1956 to perform functions related to land acquisition. This is in support of the stated project objective of "upgradation to 2 laning with paved shoulders of Km. 0 to Km. 75 of ADC Office Kaza NH505 in the State of HIMACHAL PRADESH." **4. Background and Rationale:** * The notification addresses the need to acquire land for the upgradation of a portion of National Highway 505 (NH505). The existing infrastructure is likely insufficient for current or projected traffic volume or safety standards, necessitating the two-laning project. The land acquisition is a prerequisite for executing the road improvement project. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy action, establishing the process and authority for land acquisition. The main components and actions mandated by the text include: * **Authorization of Competent Authorities:** The Central Government authorizes officers mentioned in column 2 of the schedule to perform functions as competent authorities under the National Highways Act, 1956, specifically related to land acquisition. * **Specific Stretch of Land:** The notification explicitly defines the stretch of land to be acquired, specifying "Km. 0 to Km. 75 of ADC Office Kaza NH505." * **Geographic Scope:** The schedule identifies the state (Himachal Pradesh), district (LAHUL AND SPITI), and several villages impacted by the acquisition. These are itemized in columns 4-7, explicitly listing the villages of Kaza Khas, Kaza Soma, Lara Khas, Shego, Lidang, Dhar Lungbuh, Dhankar, Schichling, Samling, Dhar Nipti Sub Divisional, Lingti, Dhar Gangchumic, Poh, Nidang, Tabo, Lapcha, Dhar Angla, Lari, Tipta, Dhar Chochodun, Hurling, Dhar Karjempa, Sumdo, and Kyurith. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this notification include: * **Landowners:** Individuals and entities owning land within the specified stretch of NH505 between Km 0 and Km 75 within the listed villages in Lahul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh. * **Residents:** Individuals residing within the identified villages who may be impacted by the land acquisition process. * **Local Government:** The local government administration in the Lahul and Spiti district. * **Contractors & Construction Companies:** Those bidding for or contracted to perform the road upgrade work. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the responsible agency. The notification also identifies "competent authorities" (CALA) mentioned in the schedule. A Divisional Officer, and Civil SPITI officers are also mentioned. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The notification takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette (March 25, 2021). The text does not provide specific timelines or detailed procedures for the land acquisition process itself. The process will follow the rules and guidelines established under the National Highways Act, 1956. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes and impact of this notification include: * **Facilitation of Road Upgradation:** Streamlining the land acquisition process, enabling the timely commencement and completion of the NH505 upgrade project. * **Improved Infrastructure:** The road upgrade is expected to improve transportation efficiency, connectivity, and safety along the specified stretch of NH505. * **Economic Development:** Enhanced connectivity could stimulate economic activities in the region by improving access to markets and services. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notification S.O. 1348(E) authorizes land acquisition for the upgrade of NH505 in Himachal Pradesh. The notification specifies the stretch of highway, affected villages, and authorized officers, providing the legal and administrative framework for the land acquisition process. This notification is a crucial step towards improving road infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

Key Entities Referenced