90% of farmland conversions illegal in state, Bengaluru choked by unapproved layouts

Karnataka faces a major land-use crisis, with nearly 90% of farmland conversions for non-agricultural purposes deemed illegal, according to reports. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda reportedly highlighted the scale of the issue, citing years of regulatory neglect as a contributing factor.

Also read: Rising deepfake scams in Bengaluru: Police step up awareness efforts

The problem came to light during the government’s initiative to link Aadhaar with land records. Of 72.11 lakh parcels of land currently in non-agricultural use, only 4.69 lakh have obtained mandatory “DC conversion” orders, issued by deputy commissioners to permit legal repurposing. Karnataka has 4.11 crore agricultural plots, underscoring the widespread nature of unauthorized land use.

Bengaluru Urban is a stark example of the consequences. The district harbours 13,000 acres of illegal layouts, where infrastructure like roads, parks, and drainage systems have been grossly neglected. If these developments had followed legal protocols, 45% of the land—about 6,000 acres—would have been reserved for essential public amenities. Instead, the city grapples with inadequate infrastructure, leading to severe flooding, poor drainage, and traffic chaos.

The unplanned growth has also contributed to Bengaluru’s infamy as one of Asia’s most congested cities. According to the TomTom Traffic Index 2023, drivers in the city spend an average of 28 minutes and 10 seconds traveling just 10 kilometers. Gowda emphasized the urgent need for reforms to address these urban planning challenges and prevent further deterioration.