Central Government Initiates Right of User Acquisition for Natural Gas Pipeline in Andhra Pradesh

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a Notification, S.O. 2197(E), on June 5, 2024, declaring its intention to acquire the right of user in land for the laying of a natural gas pipeline. This instrument, published in the Gazette of India, facilitates the transportation of natural gas from Part of GMAE4 to GOPAVARAM GCS within the State of Andhra Pradesh. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) is designated to lay this crucial pipeline. The Central Government determined that this acquisition is necessary in the public interest to establish the required infrastructure for natural gas transportation. The notification came into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

Operating under the statutory framework of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962), the Central Government's action underscores a policy rationale focused on enhancing energy infrastructure and ensuring the efficient supply of natural gas. The legislation provided: “NOW, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Sub-Section (1) of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline (Acquisition of Right of User in land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962), the Central Government hereby declares its intention to acquire the Right of User therein;” This declaration initiates the formal process for acquiring the right of user, which is a limited right to use the land for pipeline purposes without acquiring full ownership. The notification addresses the practical necessity of securing specific land corridors for pipeline development, a common requirement for large-scale energy projects. It establishes a clear mechanism for affected persons to engage with the process; any individual interested in the land described in the annexed Schedule is granted a period of twenty-one days from the date of the notification's public availability to submit written objections. These objections are to be directed to the Special Grade Deputy Collector and Competent Authority, Oil Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Rajahmundry Asset/K.G.Basin, located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. This provision ensures transparency and provides a channel for grievance redressal within the statutory framework for land acquisition for public utility projects. The lands identified for this right of user acquisition are located in the Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema District of Andhra Pradesh, specifically in the villages of Uppalaguptham and Kunavaram.

Keywords: Natural Gas Pipeline, Right of User, Land Acquisition, Petroleum and Minerals Pipeline Act, ONGC, Andhra Pradesh, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Public Interest, Infrastructure, Energy Geo Tags: Country: India, State: Andhra Pradesh District: Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema