Farmers intensify protest against Bidadi township project, oppose land acquisition

Bengaluru: Farmers from over 20 villages under Byramangala and Kunchugaranahalli gram panchayats near Bidadi have intensified their agitation against the state government’s proposed integrated township project, alleging that it will displace them and destroy fertile agricultural land. The protest, which has been ongoing for 395 days, continues along the Byramangala main road, drawing attention across the state.

The government has proposed to develop a massive township spread over 9,600 acres, including 2,000 acres earmarked for an AI City. However, farmers have strongly opposed the move, stating that they are unwilling to part with lands inherited from their ancestors in exchange for compensation.

Local farmer Nagaraj Mandlahalli said the region, once considered dry land, has been transformed into a fertile agricultural belt through years of effort. “We used water from the Suvarnamukhi River and Vrishabhavathi River to build irrigation systems. Today, you don’t have to travel to Malnad to see greenery; it exists just 30 km from Bengaluru,” he said.

Farmers here are engaged in mixed agriculture, with sericulture and dairy forming the backbone of their livelihoods. Many cultivate arecanut, coconut, and mango, while others have diversified into crops like cardamom. According to residents, around 200 families in Bannigiri village alone depend on such activities.

Villager Hanumanthaiah highlighted the scale of agricultural investment in the area. “There are nearly 25,000 arecanut trees, 5,000 mango trees, and 10,000 coconut trees. Around 60 families are dependent on dairy farming. If we lose our land, where will we take our cattle?” he questioned.

Farmers argue that the project will uproot not just livelihoods but an entire rural ecosystem built over decades. They claim that over 50,000 cattle are dependent on the region, which also supplies nearly 6 lakh litres of milk every month.

Ramayya, president of the farmers’ land protection committee, alleged that the government has not adequately consulted villagers before announcing the project. “We are being offered compensation, but no one is addressing where we will go or how we will survive. This approach reflects arrogance and is against democratic principles,” he said.

Concerns have also been raised about possible real estate interests behind the project. Former taluk panchayat member H.G. Prakash alleged that large tracts of gomala land—around 2,800 acres—could be diverted under the pretext of development for private gain.

Farmers further pointed out that they have invested lakhs of rupees in irrigation infrastructure, including borewells, pump houses, and pipelines stretching up to 3 km to bring water to their fields. “This region was turned green through our hard work. Now, everything is at risk,” Prakash added.

Meanwhile, Magadi MLA H C Balakrishna has defended the project, stating that the government is offering compensation of up to ₹2.60 crore per acre along with 45% developed land. He claimed that nearly 70% of farmers have agreed, with objections coming from 20–30%.

Despite these assurances, protesting farmers remain firm, demanding that the government scrap the project. With cabinet approval expected soon, tensions are likely to escalate further in the coming days.