Farmers lay siege to BDA office demanding fair compensation for PRR/BBC project

Large groups of farmers have launched a major protest at the BDA headquarters, demanding rightful compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act for lands taken for the PRR/BBC project.

Tense scenes unfolded outside the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) headquarters in Bengaluru as police prevented hundreds of farmers from advancing towards the office to stage a planned siege over compensation issues linked to the Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) and BBC corridor projects. Officers blocked the protesters midway on the road, refusing permission for a full-scale demonstration at the BDA premises.

Field reports indicate that while farmers were stopped from gathering in front of the office, authorities permitted only a small group of farmer leaders to enter the building to submit a formal set of objections. Many of the arriving leaders expressed dissatisfaction, stating that their goal was not merely to hand over a representation but to highlight the alleged inconsistencies in compensation decisions.

Also Read:Farmers oppose PRR project and reject BDA’s five-point compensation formula

Inside the BDA office, the farmer representatives formally raised objections regarding the PRR land acquisition process. They argued that compensation had been selectively approved for a few individuals while being publicly portrayed as a unanimous agreement among landowners. The group further accused officials of presenting incorrect information before the court regarding landowners’ consent.

In their meeting, the farmers submitted detailed objections to senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Jagadish, reiterating their demand that compensation be issued strictly under the Central Government’s 2013 Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. They stressed that the current payout model does not reflect legally mandated standards and urged the BDA to complete corrections within three months.

GOVERNMENT’S FIVE-POINT COMPENSATION FORMULA:

1.    Cash compensation for landowners
2.    40% share for farmers in developed land
3.    Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) option
4.    Floor Area Ratio (FAR) benefits
5.    Land-sharing model-65% for road construction, 35% for commercial development

Also Read:PRR alignment through Jarakabande Kaval forest raises ecological concerns

The police presence around the area was unusually heavy, with reserve forces stationed near the headquarters and arrangements made to detain protesters if the situation escalated. 

Farmers emphasised that their struggle would continue until transparency, fairness, and uniform compensation are ensured for all those whose land has been acquired for the PRR project.

The matter remains unresolved, and further mobilisation is expected in the days ahead.