BENGALURU: The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has announced plans to acquire 593 acres of land near Devanahalli for a significant project, targeting regions experiencing rapid growth from substantial industrial investments, including the Foxconn manufacturing site.
The proposal encompasses land in Vishwanathapura, Beerasandra, Shyanappanahalli, and Vajarahalli villages in Kundana hobli, Devanahalli taluk, Bengaluru Rural district. Officials indicated that the initiative aims to meet increasing residential demand spurred by swift urbanization and industrial expansion in the area.
This notification, issued last week under the Land Acquisition Act, allows a 60-day period for landowners and interested parties to submit objections and feedback. Additionally, it warns against hindering survey and acquisition operations, stating that obstructing government officials may result in legal repercussions. Landowners are prohibited from conducting any transactions—including sale, lease, or transfer of ownership—of the specified land parcels. Any objections should be directed to the housing commissioner’s office at KHB’s headquarters in Bengaluru.
Dayananda KA, housing commissioner at KHB, mentioned that land will be acquired under a land-sharing model, stating, “We’ll follow a 50-50 formula, where landowners will receive 50% of the developed land instead of monetary compensation,” he informed TOI.
KHB’s housing project is expected to feature residential plots and affordable housing, aimed at addressing future urban needs in the vicinity of Devanahalli, now a vital industrial and manufacturing hub.
The notification outlines KHB’s intention to acquire 409 acres in Vishwanathapura, 42 acres and 20 guntas in Vajarahalli, 59 acres and 22 guntas in Beerasandra, and 81 acres and 35 guntas in Shyanappanahalli village. Initially, KHB had identified over 772 acres across five villages but has now limited the notification to four villages, with a separate announcement for the remaining 179 acres in Managondanahalli anticipated soon.
The acquisition has garnered attention due to the villages’ proximity to the IT Investment Region (ITIR), home to Foxconn’s large iPhone manufacturing facility. Officials emphasize that rapid industrial growth has led to an increased demand for housing, making planned housing development imperative for the government.
However, local residents express concerns. Keshava N, a community member, stated that farmers risk losing fertile land due to government projects. “The government, particularly KIADB, is targeting land in Bengaluru Rural district. Vulnerable farmers stand to lose their land without receiving market-value compensation. The government should consider implementing industrial projects in North Karnataka instead of around Bengaluru,” he added.
