Devanahalli aerospace park: Siddaramaiah to take final call on land acquisition amid mixed responses from farmers
Addressing reporters, Industries Minister M B Patil told reporters Sunday that while some farmers were protesting against land acquisition at Channarayapatna Hobli, Bengaluru North (formerly Bengaluru Rural) district, others were ready to give up land provided Rs 3.5 crore was compensated per acre of land. 'There are different opinions among farmers. The government is reviewing all aspects of the situation,' he said.
The decision of the Karnataka government to acquire 1,777 acres of land across 13 villages of the district has been met with protests since a government order was issued to acquire it in 2022. Farmer organisations recently held a 'Devanahalli Chalo' protest to halt the acquisition carried out by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board. Amidst the protest, a section of farmers met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Saturday, agreeing to give 449 acres to the government – a parcel of land which was part of the notification for the Park.
Responding to a question, Patil said that the government was aware of the extent of land purchased by various builders around Devanahalli. 'We know with whom they have made agreements, the parcels of land politicians own, and who is backing the protest (by farmers). There is now a call to preserve agriculture in the Devanahalli region. Therefore, the government is also considering creating a permanent agricultural zone,' he said.
Noting the differences among farmers about the acquisition process, he said that such conflict was not acceptable.
On writers and intellectuals writing to the Congress high command opposing the land acquisition, he said that he was not opposed to their view. 'In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We are exploring all possible options and are seeking legal advice,' he said.
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