It has initiated acquisition of another 9,275 acres and issued preliminary notifications, with final notifications expected soon. In total, farmers in these districts stand to lose more than 33,480 acres of fertile land around the state capital. Bengaluru Rural accounts for the largest share, driven by its proximity to the city and improved connectivity to Kempegowda International Airport. Data from Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) shows 18,614 acres have already been acquired, with another 6,521 acres under process. Overall, Bengaluru Rural will contribute 25,135 acres of the total land bank, excluding 1,777 acres in Channarayapatna hobli in Devanahalli taluk, which was dropped after farmer protests. The govt says the move is aimed at ensuring Karnataka competes with other states. Dr Mahesh M, CEO, KIADB, said demand for industrial land near Bengaluru has always been high, but their focus was elsewhere considering the congestion the city is facing. “We need to decongest Bengaluru, so the priority is the outskirts and neighbouring districts,” he said. “We are not only acquiring land near Bengaluru but also in other parts including Dharwad, Belagavi and Mysuru.” Acquisitions, though, have triggered protests from farmers in Anekal, Bidadi, Dobbespet and Doddaballapur, who allege their fertile fields are being forcefully acquired. Unhappy with the move, Dr Venkatesh KT, a farmer leader from Kumbarahalli village near Hesaraghatta, said the govt was also acquiring land for housing projects besides industries. “If the situation continues, all farmers near Bengaluru will lose their land. We must wait and see whether the govt will import vegetables from China and other countries,” Venkatesh said. He said resistance has intensified after the Channarayapatna acquisition was dropped. “Farmers should firmly stand together to protect their land from the govt,” he said. But officials insist a land bank could help reverse the trend of investors bypassing Karnataka due to land constraints and delays. With large contiguous parcels now being assembled around Bengaluru, the state expects to regain the edge in attracting manufacturing and infrastructure projects, they added
