**Executive Summary:**
This notification declares the Central Government's acquisition of land in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project, under Section 20E of the Railways Act, 1989. This follows an earlier notification (S.O. 3647E, dated November 11, 2017) expressing the intent to acquire the land and the rejection of objections filed. Upon publication in the Official Gazette, the specified land will vest absolutely in the Central Government, free from all encumbrances.
**Key Points / Main Content:**
* **Land Acquisition Declaration:**
* The Central Government declares the acquisition of land for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project in Paschim Bardhaman district, West Bengal.
* This action is taken under Section 20E(1) of the Railways Act, 1989, following the competent authority's report.
* **Background:**
* The intention to acquire the land was initially declared in notification S.O. 3647E, dated November 11, 2017.
* The notification was published in the Gazette of India on November 20, 2017.
* The substance of the notification was also published in "The Statesman" (English) and "The Bartaman" (Bengali) on November 30, 2017.
* Two objections were received and subsequently rejected after due process.
* **Land Vesting:**
* Upon publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, the land specified in the annexed schedule will vest absolutely in the Central Government.
* The land will be free from all encumbrances.
* **Schedule of Land:**
* The schedule provides a brief description of the land to be acquired, including the name of the district (Paschim Bardhaman), Mouza, plot numbers, land type, area (in hectares and acres), and names of landowners/interested persons.
**Impact Analysis**
**Central Government:**
* Impact: Gains absolute ownership of the specified land, free from encumbrances, for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project.
* Action Required: Ensure the notification is published in the Official Gazette to finalize the land acquisition.
**Ministry of Railways/Railway Board:**
* Impact: Responsible for executing the land acquisition process and utilizing the land for the railway project.
* Action Required: Implement the land acquisition as per the notification and manage the land for the project.
**Landowners/Interested Parties:**
* Impact: Lose ownership and rights to the specified land. May be entitled to compensation as per applicable laws.
* Action Required: Vacate the land and seek information regarding compensation, if applicable.
**State Government of West Bengal (Paschim Bardhaman District):**
* Impact: The land within its jurisdiction is being acquired by the Central Government for a railway project.
* Action Required: Coordinate with the Central Government and assist in the smooth transfer of land.
Key Entities Referenced
Railways Act, 1989: An act of the Parliament of India enacted to consolidate and amend the laws relating to Railways.
Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor: A special railway project for the execution, maintenance, management and operation of a dedicated freight corridor.
Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal: District in the state of West Bengal where land acquisition is taking place for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor project.
The Statesman English: A daily local English newspaper where the substance of the land acquisition notification was published.
The Bartaman Bengali: A daily local Bengali newspaper where the substance of the land acquisition notification was published.
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for railway transport.
Railway Board: The apex body of the Indian Railways, under the Ministry of Railways.
District Board Burdwan: District-level authority in Burdwan, West Bengal.