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

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project (Odisha) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas regarding the acquisition of the Right of User (RoU) in land for the Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra (JHBDPL) gas pipeline project in Odisha. The notification declares the acquisition of RoU in specified land and directs that this right vests in GAIL India Limited. This report details the policy's objectives, key provisions, affected stakeholders, and likely outcomes based solely on the provided text. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the notification S.O. 327(E), issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on January 20, 2021, concerning the acquisition of Right of User (RoU) for the JHBDPL project in Odisha. The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided policy text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a new policy announcement regarding the specific acquisition detailed in the notification. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective is to acquire the Right of User in specific land for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline (JHBDPL) by GAIL India Limited. This is explicitly stated in the "Whereas" clauses and the operative part of the notification. **4. Background and Rationale:** Since this appears to be a new policy regarding this specific acquisition, the notification addresses the need to secure land rights for the JHBDPL project. The "Whereas" clauses suggest a process that began with an initial notification (S.O. No. 413(E) dated 22.01.2020), followed by a review and subsequent decision to acquire the RoU. The pipeline project presumably aims to improve natural gas transportation infrastructure in the region. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy announcement regarding this specific acquisition of land rights. Therefore, this section details the key provisions established: * **Declaration of Acquisition:** The notification declares that the Right of User in the land specified in the Schedule is acquired for laying the pipeline. * **Vesting of Rights:** The Right of User vests in GAIL India Limited, rather than the Government of India, free from all encumbrances. * **Geographic Scope:** The acquisition pertains to land in Odisha, specifically within Dhenkanal district, Kamakhyanagar Tehsil, Khatuahata Village, Survey No. 439 (with specific area measurements provided). **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected: * **GAIL India Limited:** As the entity in whom the Right of User is vested, GAIL is a primary stakeholder. * **Landowners/Occupants of the Specified Land:** Those with interests in the land described in the Schedule are directly affected by the acquisition. * **Residents of Khatuahata Village:** The policy specifically mentions this location. * **Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:** The issuing authority is responsible for overseeing the acquisition process. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the responsible authority. GAIL India Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline. A "Competent Authority" is mentioned as having submitted a report, suggesting an existing framework for RoU acquisition. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The notification refers to prior gazette publications and a report from the Competent Authority, indicating a multi-stage process culminating in the declaration. The vesting of rights occurs on the date of publication of the notification. * The notification relies on the framework established by "the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Act, 1962," implying that further implementation details are defined within that Act. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes include: * **Facilitation of Pipeline Construction:** Securing the RoU is crucial for the construction and operation of the JHBDPL pipeline. * **Improved Natural Gas Infrastructure:** The pipeline project is expected to enhance natural gas transportation in the region. * **Economic Development:** Increased access to natural gas may spur economic activity and development in the affected areas. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 327(E) represents a key step in the JHBDPL project by acquiring the Right of User in specified land in Odisha and vesting this right in GAIL India Limited. This action aims to facilitate the construction of the pipeline and contribute to the development of natural gas infrastructure in the region. Further details regarding compensation, grievance mechanisms, and specific responsibilities are likely outlined in the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of Users in Land) Act, 1962.

Key Entities Referenced