Central Government Notifies Intent to Acquire Land Use Rights for Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline Project in Andhra Pradesh

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued Notification S.O. 5185(E) on December 10, 2021, which was published in the Gazette of India on December 13, 2021. This notification formally declared the Central Government's intention to acquire the right of user in specific land parcels located across the Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh. The action is deemed necessary in the public interest to facilitate the transportation of petroleum products through the laying of a pipeline for the Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline Project, undertaken by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The notification specifies that any person interested in the land described in the annexed schedule may submit objections in writing to Shri B. Venkatesu, Competent Authority (Andhra Pradesh), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Pipelines Division), Paradip Hyderabad Pipeline Project, Visakhapatnam, within twenty-one days from the date on which copies of this notification, issued under Sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in land) Act, 1962, are made available to the general public. The detailed schedule appended to the notification lists numerous survey numbers across various villages and mandals, including Pendurthi, Sabbavaram, Anakapalli, Munagapaka, Achutapuram, S. Rayavaram, Nakkapalli, Payakaraopeta in Visakhapatnam district, and Gantiada in Vizianagaram district, along with their respective areas in hectares, ares, and square meters.

The legislative intent behind this notification is to enable the efficient and secure transportation of petroleum products, which is crucial for national energy infrastructure and public welfare. The policy rationale underscores the necessity of establishing the Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline Project to meet the growing energy demands and ensure a smooth supply chain for petroleum across the region. This executive action is rooted in the statutory framework provided by the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (Acquisition of Right of User in land) Act, 1962 (50 of 1962), which empowers the Central Government to acquire rights of user in land for laying pipelines. The notification addresses the specific requirement for land access for this significant infrastructure project, thereby bridging the gap in the existing statutory framework by applying it to a concrete development. The legislation provided: “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Sub Section (1) of Section 3 of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines (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 distinct from outright land acquisition, allowing the pipeline to be laid while the ownership of the land generally remains with the original owners. The notification establishes a clear enforcement mechanism by providing a specific timeline and designated authority for the submission and consideration of objections from affected parties, ensuring due process in the acquisition of these rights.

Keywords: petroleum pipeline, land acquisition, right of user, Paradip-Hyderabad Pipeline Project, Indian Oil Corporation, Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, infrastructure Geo Tags: India, Andhra Pradesh District: Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram