Bengaluru: Devanahalli land acquisition dropped: Victory for farmers' movement

In a significant win for farmers, the Karnataka government has officially scrapped the proposed acquisition of 1,777 acres of agricultural land across 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli, Devanahalli taluk. The decision, announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, comes after sustained resistance from local farmers and activists who have been protesting for over three years.

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Originally planned for the development of a Defense Corridor and Aerospace Park, the land acquisition was initiated by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). However, strong opposition, public demonstrations, and legal concerns forced the government to reconsider.

“We have decided to stop the land acquisition. But if any farmer voluntarily offers their land, we will consider it under mutual agreement,” said CM Siddaramaiah. He emphasized that this move is not a blanket policy and future projects may follow different paths.

A final meeting held today, chaired by the CM and attended by key ministers and farmer leaders, including Chukki Nanjundaswamy, Varalakshmi, Prakash Raj, and Badagalapura Nagendra, sealed the decision. Legal advice from retired Supreme Court Justice Gopala Gowda also supported the withdrawal.

While some farmers have shown willingness to offer their land, the government assured that only voluntarily provided land would be used. The declaration of Channarayapatna as a green zone ensures that the area remains reserved for agriculture, preventing industrial layouts.

The decision marks a powerful outcome of grassroots activism, offering relief and restoring hope to thousands of farming families.