The Chief Minister clarified that the decision was taken after detailed consultations with farmers and landowners, many of whom voiced strong opposition to the acquisition of fertile, livelihood-sustaining agricultural lands.
Government drops land acquisition plan in devanahalli after farmer protests: CM Siddaramaiah announces decision
Bengaluru
In a major policy reversal that marks a victory for protesting farmers, the Karnataka government has officially dropped the land acquisition process for industrial development in Devanahalli taluk, including the Channarayapatna region and surrounding villages. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a high-level meeting at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, attended by officials, farmer leaders, and members of the cabinet.
“We have completely withdrawn the land acquisition process in Devanahalli,” declared Siddaramaiah, affirming his government’s commitment to standing by the farmers, just as he had promised when he was Leader of the Opposition.
The Chief Minister clarified that the decision was taken after detailed consultations with farmers and landowners, many of whom voiced strong opposition to the acquisition of fertile, livelihood-sustaining agricultural lands. The area had been earmarked for an ambitious 1,777-acre Aerospace Park project, close to Kempegowda International Airport.
Siddaramaiah stated that while the government is shelving the compulsory acquisition plan, it will still accept land voluntarily offered by willing farmers, who will receive enhanced compensation and fully developed plots in return. Such farmers will be paid above the standard guideline value, he assured.
“There is no development without land,” Siddaramaiah said, acknowledging the balance needed between industrial progress and protecting agrarian interests. “But despite the potential for the project to go elsewhere, we have chosen to prioritise farmers’ voices,” he said.
The decision comes in the wake of one of the strongest anti-land acquisition agitations in recent memory, with farmers asserting their dependence on fertile lands for their livelihood. The Chief Minister recognized the uniqueness of this protest and said it was based on legitimate concerns.
He also emphasised that the government had listened to all stakeholders and would continue to encourage industrial development across the state—but not at the cost of social justice.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj, who was present at the meeting, lauded the decision, saying, “The Chief Minister has shown that social justice is not just in words, but also in action.”
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