Latest news with #KarnatakaIndustrialAreaDevelopmentBoard
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
KIADB under fire for move to divert Hebbal transit hub land to private developer
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has come under intense backlash from civic groups, political leaders, and residents over its controversial decision to hand over 35 acres of prime land in Hebbal—earmarked previously for a multi-modal transit hub by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)—to a loss-making private developer. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The move, which considerably reduces the land available for a much-needed transport interchange, has triggered criticism, with many accusing the state govt and even the opposition BJP of siding with real estate interests at the cost of public infrastructure, disregarding public sentiment. Netizens upset Saikiran Rao posted on X: Can we not fight this robbery in the court of law? Not able to stop this is a shame for democracy. The ruling govt has proven multiple times that it has no shame or accountability. Sunil Shahu: If the builders are paying Rs 12.1 crore per acre, then the per square foot cost would be Rs 2,777! I can buy 5,000sqft at Rs 3,000 per sqft along with all the stamp duty and registration at my own cost, and that too all in white! How do I bid for it? Do I need a minister's reference to grab land at this rate? Mohan Dasari, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP): What a shame, KIADB? The public transport hub has been thrown into the dustbin for a crony builder, that too a defaulted one! DK Shivakumar avre, is this what Brand Bengaluru means? Janardhan: I have said multiple times, KIADB is the largest real estate player in Karnataka! An acre in Hebbal would cost Rs 60 crore. The only agenda of KIADB is to buy land at a cheap price and sell it to private builders and make crores overnight (with a few percent pocketed by politicians). Dev D: Regardless of the political party in power, they want to exploit our city, our people, our tax, but fail to provide good roads, more buses, or speedy implementation of Metro work. They want bribes but won't complete the work also!
The Wire
16-07-2025
- Politics
- The Wire
How Karnataka's Farmers Successfully Challenged a Draconian Land Acquisition Process
Submitting to a prolonged peaceful protest, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on July 15 rescinded the 2022 land acquisition notification to 13 villages near the Bengaluru international airport. His final decision asserts the rights of farmers to their 1,777 acres of land, which the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) had sought to acquire for the construction of an aeropark and allied industries. Since April 2022, farmers in the 13 villages in the Chanrayapatna-Devanahalli area had agitated peacefully against this notification. They held a 'relay satyagraha' continuously for nearly 1,200 days. Forming a group called the Land Acquisition Resistance Committee, farmers had asserted their right to live on their land and to earn their living as farmers. A fertile red-soil tract, farmers grow not only the staple crop of ragi (finger millet) there but also a variety of vegetables and fruits. Some are also horticulturists. Dairy farms and pockets of sericulture combine to make for stable and sustainable livelihoods with youth accessing the booming metropolis for a variety of non-farm jobs. Observing how land acquisition in the vicinity over the past years has rendered farmers bereft of meaningful livelihoods and lives, the Chanrayapatna-Devanahalli farmers questioned the need to uproot them from their ancestral land. Farmers questioned the KIADB's land acquisition process and plans – especially the process of notifying the acquisition when most of the farmers did not want to relinquish their land. The Land Acquisition Act 2013 stipulated that authorities would need the consent of a minimum of 80% of residents to issue such a notification. Farmers also held several meetings with local political representatives and with government agencies and held fast to their beliefs despite the high-handedness of the authorities and often, law enforcement. While campaigning during the 2023 assembly elections, Siddaramaiah, then in the opposition, had assured the farmers that the notification would be withdrawn. A final notification to acquire land in three villages, however, arrived after Siddaramaiah assumed power. This saw an intensification of the struggle and several civil society organisations under the umbrella of 'Samyukta Horata Karnataka' lent support to the farmers' protest. An all-India protest When a large gathering – 'Devanahalli Chalo' – at Chanrayapatna on June 25 was violently disrupted by the police, the farmers and the supporters moved to the Freedom Park in Bengaluru and began protests there. On July 4, a meeting between the farmers and their representatives with the chief minister and government representatives ended with Siddaramaiah assuring them that a final decision would be taken on July 15. Representatives from Samyukt Kisan Morcha had joined the protesting farmers. Its senior leader Darshan Pal noted that this protest would be supported by the SKM and all its branches across India, making it an 'all-India struggle'. Multilingual film actor Prakash Raj lent support. Public letters were written by scholars and writers, calling for the need for balanced regional and industrial economic policies. On the eve of the final decision, a 'Grama Sankalpa Samavesha' was held in Chanraypatna where farmers vowed to continue their agitation and their bhoomi satyagraha – or land non-violence movement – if the government did not withdraw the notification. In a picture similar to the culmination of the Nandigram-Singur movement against land acquisition in Bengal and the prolonged protests led by farmers near Delhi, this protest has shown how, despite the relegation of agriculture, land, and rural issues to the periphery of national planning and interests, it is farmers who are rising up to counter the alarming deceleration in the culture, structure and institutions of our democracy. The Chanraypatna-Devanahalli movement will go down in history as one such example of farmers' resilience and courage against the depredations of a political system that speaks only the language of neo-liberalism. Yet, given the context and precedents of such movements, it may be wise to be cautious and to raise the flag against potential distortions and manipulative politics. Cause for caution While Nandigram-Singur led to the fall of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and to the rise of Trinamool Congress as the ruling party, the processes of democracy and farmers' rights, and a culture of consultative planning have not been assured in Bengal. The Samyukt Kisan Morcha and other farmers' bodies stood and won against the draconian and undemocratic processes of foisting corporate interests in agriculture over that of farmers interests. Yet, despite conceding defeat, the BJP has continued a policy of corporatisation of agriculture by stealth and none of the concerns of farmers for remunerative prices, continued state support, and adequate allocation of funds have been attended to. In all these cases, land and agriculture have been key issues and the failure of politicians and representatives to resolve them signal how the rights of a majority continue to be marginalised. In sum, a failure to consider, articulate and deploy alternatives for rural India – alternatives that go beyond the standard parameters of productivity, growth and the inevitable transition to urban-industrial areas and lives are missing. Farmers and rural citizens themselves need to consider and demand these new alternatives that can assure them a life and livelihood that can be led with dignity and democracy. Siddaramaiah's note in conceding to the farmers' demands also shows the possibility of how land can still be made into part of the speculative economy that rules not only corporate interests but also that of our elected representatives. Although he called for a complete withdrawal of the acquisition notification, he went on to note that farmers who want to can sell their land at lucrative prices, and that the government will acquire such land as 'for economic development, [the government will] need land to establish industries." "It is the government's duty to facilitate this while also respecting the rights of landowners," he said. Although the chief minister conceded that the protests were part of the democratic process, his qualifying remarks indicated the failure of the government to seriously consider alternative policies that balance regional growth, rural-urban linkages, and provide a level playing ground for all citizens. The hegemony of the now global capitalist economy that strides on the uneven grounds of a largely rural-agrarian society make land the centrepiece of a chequered political-economy. Protests and struggles by farmers come at huge costs to farmers themselves. And each protest tells us that it is the resilience and strength of farmers that make possible these glimmers of hope of retaining our democracy. A.R. Vasavi is a social anthropologist based in Karnataka.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Devanahalli aerospace park: Siddaramaiah to take final call on land acquisition amid mixed responses from farmers
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to take a final decision on July 15 regarding the acquisition of 449 acres of land, which is proposed to be part of the Hi-Tech Defence and Aerospace Park near Devanahalli, amid mixed responses from local farmers over parting with their land. 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.
NDTV
10-07-2025
- NDTV
Probe Agency Arrests Key Accused In Karnataka 'Double Compensation' Scam
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate's Bengaluru office has arrested one person in connection with the high-profile double compensation scam at the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board. The arrest - of Ravi Yallappa Kurbett - is part of an ongoing money laundering investigation linked to VD Sajjan, a retired Special Land Acquisition Officer, and others. The accused was produced before a special PMLA, or Prevention of Money Laundering Act, on Wednesday and sent to the probe agency's custody for further interrogation and investigation. The investigation so far indicates that the accused siphoned double the compensation amount -usually in the names of deceased individuals or those who had already received payouts. The investigation also indicates Kurbett played a 'critical and instrumental role' in executing the scam and was one of the key beneficiaries. According to the agency, he allegedly used the laundered money to purchase immovable assets, in his name and those of relatives. He also spent significant amounts on 'personal expenses'. The agency had earlier attached properties worth around Rs 13 crore in this case. A prosecution complaint had also been filed earlier against 22 accused persons, and the PMLA court has taken cognisance of the complaint. The matter remains under trial. Further investigation into the money laundering network and other accused is underway.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
How Karnataka's Farmers Are Defying Land Grab in Bangalore Suburb
Published : Jul 02, 2025 21:41 IST - 8 MINS READ For the past 1184 days, 'Wiring' Pillappa, a 70-year-old sericulturist from Mattabaralu village in Devanahalli taluk of Bengaluru Rural district, has been waking up every morning to head to Channarayapatna, a larger village some 5 km away. Channarayapatna is around 13 km away from the toll booth on National Highway 44 that marks the end of the 35 km stretch that is commonly known as the Airport Road in Bengaluru. Take the ramp on the left after the toll booth and the road heads to Kempegowda International Airport but continue straight for another couple of kilometres from the toll booth and take a right. After a short ride, one reaches a clutch of government offices in Channarayapatna as the village is the headquarters of the hobli (a cluster of villages recognised as an administrative unit). What grabs the attention of a visitor is a white canopy amid the lack-lustre government offices and the many banners and pictures of B.R. Ambedkar and Gandhi that festoon the frail walls of this canopy. Pillappa can be usually found in this canopy between 9 am and 5 pm and he said that people had affixed 'Wiring' to his name because he was handy with electrical work. 'What will happen to my children' Pillappa's two acres of land were identified by the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) in August 2021 as part of an attempt to notify the acquisition of 1,777 acres of land located in 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli. Over the next few months, as the significance of this proposed notification began to sink in among the families whose lands were identified, there was intense discomfort and outright opposition as they contemplated the dreaded proposition of having to part with their family lands. Also Read | 'A majority of farmers oppose the changes to the Karnataka Land Reforms Act' At the beginning of 2022, farmers began their protest and burnt the notices that they had received from KIADB. On April 4, 2022, an indefinite protest—which is marked daily by changing the day of the protest on a black slate—against the proposed acquisition began in Channarayapatna, which continues to this day. As part of this, Pillappa comes every day, sits under the canopy for at least 8-10 hours before heading home. 'If my land is taken away, what will happen to my four children? Even if the government offers me Rs.10 crores per acre, I am not going to give away my land', Pillappa said. The KIADB intends to acquire the land as the future site of a proposed high-tech Defence and Aerospace Park. According to Ramesh Cheemanahalli, a resident of the village of Cheemanahalli, which is one among the 13 identified villages, 'this is the second phase of land acquisition in Devanahalli taluk. The first phase took place in 2014 where 1,280 acres was acquired from four villages'. Considering the area's proximity to the Kempegowda International Airport, land prices have risen considerably in the area, but what was startling to note was the comprehensive agricultural nature of the region from where the airport is a mere half an hour away. Small and marginal farmers are present in all 13 villages who practise integrated farming: Meaning that they grow a plethora of agricultural and horticultural produce on small fertile parcels of their land and supplement their incomes with dairy and poultry farming. They have taken advantage of their closeness to the large market of Bengaluru to benefit when compared with other farmers in the rural hinterland who do not have that same advantage. Mukunda C.R., 45, of Polanahalli village lost his 12.5 acres of land to the first phase of land acquisition in Devanahalli taluk but filed a case against the KIADB and the case is ongoing in the Karnataka High Court. He proudly showed off his land of which eight acres were dedicated to mango trees while a poultry farm flourished in the remaining area. 'I make at least Rs.15 lakhs annually from my poultry farm. Why should I give away my land?' Mukunda asked piquantly. Pramod Kumar, 34, of Polanahalli village who owns six acres of land along with his extended family said, 'We have had this land for five generations. We grow marigold flowers and vegetables'. When asked why he was against his land being acquired by the KIADB, Kumar gave a short answer: 'Peace of mind.' He added, 'Our family makes around Rs.12 lakhs per annum but we are satisfied here. The joy that we find in this life is very important to us'. On the way to his marigold fields, the integrated farming approach of the villagers in the region became evident: Compact parcels of land cultivated with different crops such as sweet corn, grape, cabbage, banana, a variety of greens, tomato among others. The experiences of past farmers who gave away their land in the first phase of acquisition weighed heavily on the protesting farmers. Pramod Kumar said, 'The farmers who lost land in the past are now earning a living as agricultural labourers or factory workers making a mere Rs.15,000-Rs.20,000 monthly. They are regretting their decisions now.' Jagadish Devanna of Polanahalli was one of these farmers who parted with two acres of his land in 2018 as part of this first phase of land acquisition. 'I wish I could take back my decision', he said, adding, 'We (he and his siblings) were promised Rs.1.1 crore per acre but I had to pay commissions to KIADB officials even to receive this amount and we finally received only Rs. 80 lakhs per acre in 2020, which was divided among our family members. I have become a coolie [agricultural labourer] now because of my circumstances.' There is also anger against the Congress and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally because the protesting farmers consider him as a betrayer. In September 2022, Siddaramaiah had assured the farmers that he would withdraw the KIADB notification when the Congress came to power; But, instead, his government continued the process first initiated under the previous BJP government. Parvathamma, a marginal farmer in Mattabaralu village who cultivated ragi on 27 guntas [40 guntas make an acre], unleashed a slew of invectives against the Chief Minister. 'When will Siddaramaiah stop torturing us? Why did he go back on his promise? I don't want any money. I just want my land as only the sky and land are permanent elements. How many days will I spend money? I will not leave this land even if I die'! Remarkable longevity The ongoing protest has been remarkable for its longevity as it has already been three-and-half years since it began. It is also interesting because it has brought together farmers across caste lines in this region, which was known for its social stratification. Even till a few years ago, the Vokkaligas, who are the dominant farmers in the region, were resentful of Dalits because 500 acres of land was granted to them in Channarayapatna hobli in the 1970s as part of the land reform legislations that took place in Karnataka under the Chief Ministership of Devraj Urs. But, the impending fear of their lands being acquired has brought all farmers together under the leadership of Karahalli Srinivas, a Dalit farmer. 'Even if the government threatens us with a gun, we will not be cowed down', Srinivas told Frontline while commenting on the nature of the State government itself: 'What is the government but an entity constituted by the people? It cannot be a representative only of corporates'. Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, attempted to placate the farmers last week by announcing that land would not be acquired from three villages (of the 13 villages) and that the State government would not acquire any land in the future from Channarayapatna hobli but this offer has done nothing to change the determination of the protesting farmers. Also Read | Karnataka: Hand in hand Responding to Patil's offer, Noor Sridhar, president of Karnataka Janashakti—which is part of a broader alliance of civil society groups called Samyukta Horata Karnataka that are supporting the farmers' protest—responded to Patil's offer thus: 'This is a struggle for life and livelihood of farmers who have been using honest means to save their land. If this struggle lacked substance, there would have been a rift among the villagers when Patil excluded the land of three villages from the acquisition process. But, even today, farmers from those excluded villages are participating in the struggle every day. The industries minister should understand this point that it is illegal to acquire fertile agricultural land from farmers.' A meeting of the Karnataka cabinet is slated to take place today (July 2) where the vexed issue could be discussed. Members of the Samyukta Horata Karnataka and the Land Acquisition Resistance Committee of Channarayapatna have promised to escalate their protests if the government did not drop its idea of acquiring land in Channarayapatna. In the lead-up to the Karnataka Cabinet meeting on July 2—held in Nandi Hills, a short distance from Devanahalli—farmers had called on the government to officially withdraw the acquisition plan. The Cabinet, which was expected look into the matter, took no decision. A meeting is now scheduled between the farmers and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on July 4. Members of the Samyukta Horata Karnataka and the Land Acquisition Resistance Committee of Channarayapatna have made their position clear: if the government refuses to back down, the protests will escalate.
