KHB’s 593-acre Devanahalli housing plan sparks farmer opposition

KHB plans 593-acre housing near Devanahalli with a 50-50 land-sharing model, sparking farmer concerns over loss of fertile land and fair compensation

The Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has announced plans for a major housing project spanning 593 acres near Devanahalli in Bengaluru Rural district, close to the Foxconn iPhone manufacturing hub. The initiative, which will be executed under a land‑sharing model, has sparked discontent among local farmers who fear losing fertile agricultural land without adequate compensation.

According to the notification issued under the Land Acquisition Act, KHB intends to acquire land across Vishwanathapura, Beerasandra, Shyanappanahalli and Vajarahalli villages in Kundana hobli. The project comes at a time when Devanahalli has witnessed rapid industrial growth, with large investments driving up residential demand in the region. The notification provides landowners and stakeholders 60 days to submit objections or suggestions to the housing commissioner at the KHB head office in Bengaluru. During this period, land transactions such as sale, lease or transfer are prohibited, and landowners have been cautioned against obstructing survey or acquisition work, with legal action threatened for interference.

The housing commissioner has clarified that the acquisition will follow a ‘50‑50’ land‑sharing model. Under this arrangement, landowners will receive half of the developed land instead of cash compensation. The project is expected to deliver residential plots and affordable housing units designed to meet the growing urban requirements around Devanahalli, which has emerged as a key industrial and manufacturing hub.

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As per the notification, KHB plans to acquire 409 acres in Vishwanathapura, 42 acres and 20 guntas in Vajarahalli, 59 acres and 22 guntas in Beerasandra, and 81 acres and 35 guntas in Shyanappanahalli. The board had initially identified more than 772 acres across five villages, and a separate notification is anticipated for the remaining 179 acres in Managondanahalli.

The move has drawn attention due to its proximity to the IT Investment Region, where Foxconn has established a large manufacturing facility. Officials argue that the pace of industrial expansion has sharply increased housing needs, making planned development a priority. However, local residents remain dissatisfied, with farmers voicing concerns that the land‑sharing model does not reflect prevailing market values and that agricultural livelihoods are being compromised. Many have urged the government to consider diverting industrial projects to other regions such as North Karnataka instead of concentrating development around Bengaluru.

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