## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline
**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 laying a natural gas pipeline. The policy declares the government's decision to acquire RoU for the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline in Assam for Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL). Key findings highlight the formal acquisition process, the transfer of RoU to IGGL, and the specific land parcels affected in the Biswanath district of Assam.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of a government notification concerning the acquisition of RoU for the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline project. This analysis is based solely on the text provided in the notification.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This appears to be a *New Policy* declaring the acquisition of right of user, rather than an amendment.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to formally acquire the right of user in specific land parcels to facilitate the laying of a pipeline for the transportation of natural gas through the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline. A further objective is to vest the RoU in Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL).
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The policy addresses the need for land rights to construct the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline. The text mentions a prior notification (S.O.No.1804E dated 20.05.2019) declaring the intention to acquire RoU and suggests a process for addressing public objections. This implies that the policy is intended to enable infrastructure development by legally securing the necessary land access, overcoming potential resistance through a structured process.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
* The Government of India, exercising powers under subsection 1 of section 6 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962, declares the acquisition of RoU in the land specified in the Schedule.
* The notification directs that the RoU shall vest in Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) instead of the Government of India. This vesting is effective from the date of publication of the notification and is free from all encumbrances.
* A Schedule is included that details specific land parcels in the Biswanath district of Assam where the RoU is being acquired. This includes:
* District: Biswanath
* State: Assam
* Area, Circle, Mouza, Name of Village
* Dag No.
* Square Hectare
* Are Metre
* Specific data related to each land parcel being acquired.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the provided text, the direct target audience and stakeholders include:
* **Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL):** The company responsible for laying the pipeline and the recipient of the RoU.
* **Landowners in the Biswanath district of Assam:** Those whose land is subject to the RoU acquisition.
* **Residents and the Public of Biswanath district:** Potentially impacted by pipeline construction.
* **Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas** Governmental oversight and enforcement.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The primary responsible body is the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with IGGL responsible for the pipeline construction. A "Competent Authority" is mentioned as having considered and disposed of public objections and submitted a report to the government.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification specifies that the RoU vests in IGGL on the date of publication. It also references a previous notification where the intention to acquire the RoU was declared, and objections were considered, indicating a multi-stage process compliant with the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act.
* **Specific to Changes:** (Not applicable as this is being assessed as a new policy.)
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* The intended outcome is to provide IGGL with the legal right to lay the natural gas pipeline through the specified land parcels in the Biswanath district. This will facilitate the construction of the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline.
* The RoU acquisition may lead to compensation for landowners affected.
* The pipeline construction will improve the infrastructure for Natural Gas transportation in Assam by Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited IGGL.
**9. Conclusion:**
The notification represents a significant step in securing the land rights necessary for the Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline project. It legally establishes the RoU for IGGL, which will enable the pipeline's construction and contribute to improved gas transportation infrastructure.
Key Entities Referenced
Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Acquisition of Right of User in Land Act, 1962: A law under which the notification is issued.
Guwahati-Numaligarh Gas Pipeline: Name of the pipeline project.
Assam: State where the pipeline is being laid.
Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited IGGL: The company responsible for laying the pipeline.
Biswanath, Assam: District and State where land acquisition is taking place.
Gohpur: Area Circle within Biswanath district, Assam.
Bherbheri Pathar: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Gohpur Pathar: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Balitika Gaon: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Barphalang Gaon: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Kakila Pathar: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Kakila Guri Gaon: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
1 No Kumar Kata: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Dubia Pathar: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
2 No Kumar Kata: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Jagara Dalani: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Chengmara Guri: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Chengmara Jarani: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Chupahi Bari: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Sutar Dalani: Village in Gohpur, Biswanath, Assam where land is being acquired for the pipeline.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: The ministry issuing the notification.
New Delhi: Place of Notification
20th January, 2021: Date of Notification
20.05.2019: Date of the initial notification regarding intention to acquire land
24.05.2019: Date of publication of the initial notification in the Gazette of India.