Some farmers have voluntarily expressed willingness to give up their land. For them, the government will acquire land on a consent basis, offering enhanced compensation and developed plots in return.
Published Jul 15, 2025 | 3:41 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 15, 2025 | 3:41 PM
The Chief Minister stressed the need for development to improve livelihoods.
Synopsis: The Karnataka government has scrapped the proposed acquisition of 1,777 acres in Devanahalli taluk, responding to sustained protests from local farmers who opposed the move for over three years. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the decision, stating that future land acquisition for industrial projects will proceed only with the consent of farmers.
In a major win for farmers in Karnataka’s Devanahalli, who have been opposing the acquisition of their agricultural land for well over 1000 days, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the land acquisition process in Channarayapatna and nearby villages of Devanahalli taluk has been fully withdrawn.
“The notification is entirely dropped. Those who want to give lands to the government for the development of the industry, we will take such lands with consent,” the Chief Minister said on Tuesday, 15 July after chairing a meeting at Vidhana Soudha with officials and farmer representatives on the issue of land acquisition in the region.
Ministers MB Patil, KH Muniyappa, HK Patil, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, Byrathi Suresh, the Chief Minister’s political secretary Naseer Ahmed, legal advisor Ponnanna, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, farmer representatives, and other officials were present at the meeting.
The state government had initially proposed acquiring 1,777 acres in Devanahalli taluk to develop an aerospace park. A request had also been made to allocate land near Bengaluru for the same.
This has been one of the most intense protests against land acquisition in Karnataka in recent years. The land in question is fertile and central to local agriculture, with many farmers dependent on it for their livelihood. Protesters had categorically demanded that the acquisition be called off.
The Chief Minister said the government had taken into account the concerns of all stakeholders, including farmers and landowners. While industrial development remains a priority for the state’s growth, the government has opted for a pro-farmer approach by withdrawing the acquisition in light of their demands.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj welcomed the decision, stating: “The Chief Minister has shown today that his commitment to social justice is not just in words, but also in action.”
Devanahalli taluk, part of the Bengaluru Rural district, is home to the Bengaluru International Airport. The Chief Minister stressed the need for development to improve livelihoods.
“If the income of every citizen has to increase, development projects must move forward,” he said, stressing that land was essential for establishing new industries and attracting investment. “The government has the responsibility to provide land for such industrial ventures.”
He cautioned that if acquisition is halted, industries might shift elsewhere. “Still, the government stands by the farmers and has made this decision,” Siddaramaiah said.
Some farmers have voluntarily expressed willingness to give up their land. For them, the government will acquire land on a consent basis, offering enhanced compensation and developed plots in return.
“They will be paid more than the guideline value. Those who wish to continue agricultural activities may continue to do so,” the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, the farmers’ protest group, Channarayapatna Land Acquisition Resistance Committee, which led the protests, had criticised the government for allegedly attempting to break unity of residents from 13 villages in Channarayapatna hobli.
Karalli Srinivas, the group’s conveyor, had said that the “genuine” farmers hadn’t been the ones who were offering to sell their lands.
“The 1195-day struggle has been carried out by genuine farmers. People who toil and sweat in their fields are here today. But those who sell land and middlemen have gone to Bengaluru,” he said.
“When the struggle has reached a decisive stage, the government is directly responsible for such provocation. After the ‘Devanahalli Protest’ on June 25, our struggle has become news at the national level.”
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
