Whereas it appears to Government of India that it is necessary in public interest that for transportation of natural gas

## Policy Analysis Report: Acquisition of Right of User for Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project (BGPL) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, regarding the acquisition of Right of User (ROU) in land for the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) project in Assam. The notification, dated January 20, 2021, declares the government's intention to acquire ROU for the pipeline's construction, a key component of the larger Jagdishpur-Halida-Bakaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL). The core objective is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas. Affected landowners are granted a 21-day window to object to the acquisition. Key findings include the identification of specific land parcels affected in Assam and the responsible agencies involved. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the notification S.O. 329(E), issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, concerning the acquisition of the Right of User (ROU) for the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) project. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This appears to be a *new* policy action pertaining to land acquisition for the BGPL pipeline project. * **Core Objective:** To facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the Barauni Guwahati Natural Gas Pipeline (BGPL) as an integral part of the Jagdishpur-Halida-Bakaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL). This objective is explicitly stated in the notification. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy action. The notification indicates that the acquisition of ROU is "necessary in public interest" for the transportation of natural gas through the BGPL. This suggests that there is a public need or demand for natural gas that this pipeline aims to fulfill. The statement also implies that existing land rights need to be adjusted to enable the construction of this vital infrastructure. **5. Key Provisions:** * **Declaration of Intent:** The Government of India declares its intention to acquire the Right of User in land for laying the BGPL pipeline in Assam. * **Legal Basis:** The action is taken under subsection 1 of section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in Land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962). * **Objection Mechanism:** Any person interested in the land has 21 days from the date of publication of the notification to object in writing to the acquisition. * **Land Description:** A schedule is annexed to the notification describing the specific land parcels affected by the project, including district, circle, mouza, village, dag number, and area in hectares and square meters. The provided excerpt shows land parcels in the Barpeta district of Assam. * **Pipeline:** The pipeline referenced is the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline Project (BGPL) that is stated as an integral part of the JagdishpurHalida BakaroDhamra Natural Gas Pipeline JHBDPL **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Landowners in Assam:** Specifically, those owning land within the specified areas mentioned in the schedule annexed to the notification, as their land is subject to the ROU acquisition. * **GAIL India Limited:** As the company responsible for laying the pipeline and the recipient of any objections to the acquisition. * **Residents of Assam:** Who will benefit from natural gas transportation through the state. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** GAIL India Limited is responsible for laying the pipeline and is designated as the "Competent Authority" to receive objections. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is the issuing government body. * **Timeline:** Landowners have 21 days from the date of publication of the notification to file objections. * **Procedure:** Landowners must submit their objections in writing to the Competent Authority, GAIL India Limited, State of Assam. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** * **Facilitation of Natural Gas Transportation:** The primary intended outcome is to facilitate the transportation of natural gas through the BGPL, contributing to the JHBDPL's overall objective. * **Infrastructure Development:** The pipeline construction will contribute to infrastructure development in the region. * **Potential Impact on Landowners:** Landowners will be impacted by the acquisition of ROU, potentially affecting their land use and property rights. Compensation or other mitigation measures are not detailed in the provided text, but may be relevant according to the underlying Act referenced. **9. Conclusion:** The notification signifies a crucial step in the development of the Barauni Guwahati Pipeline (BGPL) project. By declaring the intention to acquire the Right of User in land, the government aims to facilitate the construction of this pipeline, deemed necessary in the public interest for natural gas transportation. The notification provides a 21-day window for affected landowners to raise objections, highlighting the importance of addressing stakeholder concerns in the implementation of this infrastructure project. This project forms an integral part of the larger Jagdishpur-Halida-Bakaro-Dhamra Natural Gas Pipeline (JHBDPL) and thus has strategic significance for India's energy infrastructure.

Key Entities Referenced