BENGALURU: Despite opposition from farmers and political parties, the Karnataka government has issued the final notification for acquiring nearly 500 acres in three villages in Ramanagara and Harohalli taluks for the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) project, located near Bidadi.
This action demonstrates the state’s commitment to advancing one of CM DK Shivakumar’s most significant urban development initiatives. The township, which is estimated to cost over ₹20,000 crore, aims to create a large work-live-play urban hub on Bengaluru’s outskirts. Shivakumar describes it as “India’s first AI City,” envisioning a forward-looking township that would transform urban living. The project covers 7,481 acres across nine villages, with the initial notification concerning 499 acres in Kempayyanapalya, Mandalahalli, and Vaderahalli villages.
In the initial phase, Kempayyanapalya will see the majority of the acquisition, with 367 acres earmarked for takeover. Mandalahalli will account for 70 acres, while 61 acres will be taken from Vaderahalli.
This notification follows the state cabinet’s recent final approval of the project, pushing land acquisition forward despite ongoing farmer objections.
The formal approval in February 2025 allowed the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority to issue a preliminary notification in March 2025 regarding the land acquisition. The final notification indicates that all objections have been reviewed and the government is proceeding with the acquisition.
The acquisition process will be overseen by the commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Development Authority and the Special Land Acquisition Officer-II for Ramanagara. The notification clarifies that any discrepancies between Akar Bandh records and pahani entries will be resolved by treating the Akar Bandh record as final. Furthermore, ownership in government survey numbers with unregularized land grants will be determined according to a 2012 government circular.
