Whereas by notification of Government of India in Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project (BGPL) in Assam. The notification, dated August 2, 2021, declares the acquisition of RoU for laying a natural gas pipeline, part of the larger Jagdishpur Haldia Bokaro Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project, and vests the RoU with GAIL India Limited. This report provides a detailed overview of the policy, its background, key provisions, and potential impacts on stakeholders. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide an informative analysis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification regarding the acquisition of Right of User for the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project (BGPL), based solely on the provided text. This analysis will cover the policy's objectives, background, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and expected outcomes, providing a comprehensive overview for affected industry professionals. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a *new* policy (or a new stage of an existing policy) concerning land acquisition for a specific infrastructure project. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to acquire the Right of User (RoU) in specified land for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline that is part of the Barauni Guwahati Gas Pipeline (BGPL). This BGPL is further described as an integral part of the Jagdishpur Haldia Bokaro Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) project. **4. Background and Rationale:** The policy addresses the need to acquire land rights for the construction of a natural gas pipeline. The text indicates that the Government of India intends to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the BGPL, which connects to a larger national gas pipeline network (JHBDPL). This suggests a broader strategic objective of expanding natural gas infrastructure and accessibility across India. The prior notification (S.O. No.2078 E dated 18.06.2020) indicates a prior intent which suggests that the current notification is a follow up action. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** As this is a new policy stage, the key provisions are: * **Acquisition of Right of User (RoU):** The Government of India declares the acquisition of RoU in land specified in the Schedule appended to the notification. * **Project Scope:** The RoU is acquired for laying a natural gas pipeline as part of the Barauni Guwahati Gas Pipeline (BGPL) project, which is connected to the Jagdishpur Haldia Bokaro Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL). * **Vesting of Rights:** The acquired RoU is vested in GAIL India Limited, effective from the date of publication of the declaration, free from all encumbrances. * **Geographic Scope:** The schedule specifies that the land acquisition affects the State of Assam, specifically in the District Barpeta, Sarupeta Circle, Hastinapur Mouza, and Gerua Para Village. * **Land Details:** The notification includes specific survey numbers, Dag numbers, and land area (in hectares and square meters) affected by the RoU acquisition. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the text, the directly affected stakeholders are: * **Landowners in the specified areas:** Individuals or entities owning land in Barpeta district, Assam, as listed in the Schedule. * **GAIL India Limited:** The company responsible for laying the pipeline and is granted the RoU. * **Residents and businesses in the region:** Potentially affected by the construction and operation of the pipeline, though the text offers limited insight on this. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** * Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (Government of India) is responsible for issuing the notification and declaring the RoU acquisition. * GAIL India Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline and utilizing the acquired RoU. * Competent Authority (unspecified) submitted a report to the Government of India under Section 6(1) of the said Act. * **Timelines/Procedures:** * The RoU vests in GAIL India Limited on the date of publication of the notification (August 12, 2021, based on the Gazette date). * The Competent Authority submitted a report under Section 6(1) of the Act prior to the notification. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes based on the policy's stated provisions in the text are: * **Facilitation of Natural Gas Transportation:** The primary outcome is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the BGPL, contributing to the broader JHBDPL project. * **Infrastructure Development:** This project will likely contribute to the development of natural gas infrastructure in the region, potentially improving access to natural gas for consumers and industries. * **Regional Economic Development:** Improved gas infrastructure could potentially stimulate economic development in the region, although this is not explicitly stated. **9. Conclusion:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notification concerning the acquisition of Right of User for the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project represents a crucial step in expanding India's natural gas infrastructure. The vesting of RoU in GAIL India Limited marks the commencement of the pipeline laying phase. Understanding the details of this notification is essential for landowners, GAIL India Limited, and other stakeholders in the region to ensure smooth implementation and mitigate potential disruptions. The project signifies progress towards improved energy access and potential economic development within the designated regions.

Key Entities Referenced