Karnataka restricts use of denotified land to farming

KIADB restricts denotified land near Jangamakote to farming only; farmers oppose acquisition for deep tech park and plan March protests demanding withdrawal

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has ruled that land parcels dropped from acquisition near Jangamakote in Chikkaballapur district can only be used for agricultural purposes, barring non-farming activities. Officials indicated that this restriction will apply to future denotified lands as well.

Last week, KIADB issued a final notification to acquire 555 acres in Basavapattana and Nadapanayakanahalli villages, about 50 km from Bengaluru, for the proposed Sir M Visvesvaraya Deep Tech Park. Initially, in June 2024, the board had identified 2,823 acres across 13 villages. Following farmer protests over fertile land being taken, more than 470 acres were dropped from acquisition.

For now, only two villages are covered under the final notification, while acquisition notices for the remaining 11 villages are expected soon. The government envisions the deep tech park as a hub for advanced industries including semiconductors, robotics, aerospace, defence, drones, EVs, and medical devices.

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Industries Minister M B Patil has argued that the site’s proximity to Bengaluru and the international airport makes it ideal for high-tech development. However, farmers in Jangamakote and surrounding villages remain opposed. They recently resolved to intensify their agitation until the government withdraws acquisition plans entirely.

Bhaktarahalli Byregowda, state working president of Hasiru Sene Raita Sangha, said farmers are unwilling to surrender land to private companies. He announced plans for a large protest on March 9 or 10. Byregowda also criticized the restriction on denotified land, noting similar conditions were earlier imposed in Channarayapatna, Devanahalli.

He accused the government of exploiting farmers under the guise of development, comparing today’s corporate interests to colonial exploitation. “No government is in favour of farmers. In the name of development, farmers’ land is being taken away. Farmers must stay united to stop this,” he said.

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