The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, announced on Tuesday that the government will not proceed with plans to acquire land near Bengaluru’s international airport for an aerospace park, effectively putting an end to a three-year-long protest by farmers.
Farmers from several villages in Devanahalli taluk have been demonstrating against the acquisition of their agricultural lands for industrial development.
After extensive discussions with farmer leaders, the CM mentioned that the government is open to purchasing land from farmers willing to sell, offering higher compensation than the market value or a greater share of developed land as trade.
Officials stated that these landowners could monetize their developed properties by using them commercially.
The government will enable other farmers, who choose not to sell their lands to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), to continue farming, as affirmed by the CM.
Siddaramaiah, who comes from a farming background in Mysuru, highlighted the increasing demand for land in Devanahalli taluk due to its proximity to Bengaluru and the international airport. He emphasized that industries are eager to invest in areas surrounding the airport, stating that if farmers aim to enhance their income, land must be available for such investments.
The CM noted that the scale of the protest by farmers was unprecedented in Karnataka. He acknowledged that the land earmarked for acquisition is highly fertile and crucial for agriculture, with activists urging the government to exclude it from acquisition plans.
The government had identified 1,777 acres across 13 villages for the establishment of a hi-tech industrial park, as investors seek plots in Devanahalli and Doddaballapur due to their developing tech manufacturing ecosystem.
However, he cautioned farmers that halting land acquisition might lead to potential investments relocating to other states. Nevertheless, he reinforced that the government is acting in the best interest of farmers.
The catch
While the protesters felt victorious after their discussions with the CM, the underlying message was clear: farmers must either sell their land to the KIADB or continue their agricultural practices.
Reports indicate that some landowners have already initiated agreements with real estate developers to sell their properties, with an estimated 300 acres involved in such deals.
The matter will now return to the Cabinet for reevaluation of the 2022 land acquisition decision and to outline the implementation of Tuesday’s announcement. The Cabinet will provide guidelines to landowners who wish to retain their land, according to an official.
“The government aims to prevent any other real estate development in the area. There will be no change of land use permitted, and farming will be encouraged while treating un-acquired lands as part of a green belt,” he noted. It will be challenging for developers to circumvent the government’s industrialization plans.
In a conversation with RealtyDailyNews, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda stated, “Our government is committed to safeguarding farmers’ interests. We aim to protect them from falling victim to brokers and exploiters.”