Bengaluru’s Second Airport and Major Infrastructure Plans Faces Land Acquisition Hurdles
Land acquisition has become the biggest challenge for several major infrastructure projects planned around Bengaluru, with nearly 90,000 acres required for various developments.
One of the most controversial plans is the Greater Bengaluru Township Project in Bidadi, located in Ramanagara district. The government wants to acquire 9,600 acres across 24 villages under the Byramangala and Kanchanahalli gram panchayats. However, many farmers and local leaders are strongly opposing it.
Dr. CN Manjunath, the Bangalore Rural MP, has written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to scrap the project. He pointed out that the land identified is fertile farmland, and acquiring it would harm the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale farmers and destroy local biodiversity. The area reportedly contains around 1 million trees.
Second Airport Proposal Also Faces Opposition
Another major project under consideration is a second international airport for Bengaluru. The state infrastructure department has shortlisted three potential sites — two near Kanakapura Road in Ramanagara and one near Solur, between Nelamangala and Kunigal. This project would require about 5,000 acres.
Although the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has inspected the sites, and the state is waiting for its report, opposition is already growing. Nelamangala MLA Srinivasaiah N has raised concerns in letters to the CM and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, expressing local farmers’ fears.
Infrastructure Development Minister MB Patil tried to calm the situation by saying the project is still in the early stages and that any land acquisition would be done carefully, with farmers’ concerns in mind. Also Read | Farmers worry about livelihood as KIADB issued notification for land acquisition
Township and City Plans Across the Region
Beyond the township in Bidadi, the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has proposed five themed townships:
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Solur: Healthcare-focused
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Bidadi: Cultural
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Doddaballapur: Manufacturing
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Hoskote: IT
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Dabaspet: Logistics
These projects would need around 2,000 acres in total. Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan has started holding “Raitha Adalats” (farmers’ courts) to gather feedback and build consensus.
Additionally, the government is considering reviving a 2006 plan by BMRDA to create five integrated townships in Bidadi, Ramanagara, Sathanur, Solur, and Nandagudi, each needing 15,000 acres.
Another 2,000 acres have been earmarked near Hoskote for the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board’s (KIADB) proposed KWIN (Knowledge, Wellbeing, and Innovation) City.
Balancing Development and Agriculture
Many believe that while development is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of farmers’ livelihoods or fertile agricultural land. Hoskote MLA Sharath Bachegowda summed it up, saying the government must strike a balance between growth and protecting cultivable land — and approach the issue with practicality and sensitivity.
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